Cultivating & Celebrating

Literary Livingston

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Our Mission

Elk River Arts & Lectures celebrates and cultivates Park County’s unique, world-class literary legacy.

To meet the needs of our unique and growing rural communities, ERAL offer a range of free opportunities and programs to engage with new ideas, be creative, and develop community. We facilitate public author lectures, school programs, storytelling events, writing workshops, and more. We believe that opportunities to be creative, paired with exposure to diverse ideas, improve quality of life and strengthen our community. 

Founded in 2013 with the belief that engaging our community with creatives and writers would create a lasting impact for youth and adults alike, ERAL strives to tell a story of all that is possible.

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Diversity

Expose Park County to diverse ideas to strengthen our community.

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Promotion

Cultivate and celebrate Livingston’s literary heritage.

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Enrichment

Enrich the lives of Park County students and residents with educational, entertaining and edifying opportunities.

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Enhancement

Enhance and invigorate the landscape of ideas within our rural community.

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Education

Provide vibrant programming for our community’s young people.

September 8, 2026

the art of adaptions

In partnership with Opera Montana and Livingston Fringe Festival, join us for a conversation between makers about The Art of Adaptations. Featuring Kelley Rourke, Isabel Shaida, and other panelists, this free conversation will explore questions including: why do we adapt works? What does a good adaptation do? All are welcome on Tuesday, September 8 at 6 p.m. at Wheatgrass Books.

Event Details
Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Storytelling

Reap What You Sow

Storytelling Night Details

Autumn 2026 Lectures

September 16, 2026 at 7 pm

Gretel Ehrlich

With an introduction by Tom McGuane, join us for a celebration of The Solace of Open Spaces.
 

October 8, 2026 at 7pm

Mark Spragg

Acclaimed author three novels and an award-winning memoir, we’ll hear and celebrate his storied and new works. 

November 5, 2026 at 7 pm

Debra Magpie Earling

In conversation regarding her featured piece in Rock Art: An American Story. 

Elk River Arts & Lectures in 2025

2025 at Elk River Arts & Lectures was a year of planting seeds, growing programs, and continuing to create a lasting impact through the literary arts across Park County. We reached over 250 students through author visits, poetry lessons, and storytelling workshops. Double that for the audiences of all ages at our lectures and storytelling nights.

We know Livingston’s literary heritage needs to be not only celebrated and remembered, but cultivated and fostered for future generations. That’s why, in 2026, we’ve already expanded our programs into Park County’s more rural corners.

We are committed to showcasing renowned authors, elevating poetry, and sharing community stories for all neighbors to access and enjoy. Our programs remain free and open to the public with your support and help. This mission means we all can enjoy the language of life, together.

View Our 2025 Annual Report