Arts & Cultural Council Of Bucks Launches 1st Pride Literary Arts Salon

DOYLESTOWN, PA — In celebration of Pride Month, the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County (A&C) will hold its first Pride Literary Arts Salon, an evening dedicated to storytelling, community, and the power of contemporary voices.

The event will take place on Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m. at Freeman Hall in Doylestown and is open to the public.

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Guests are invited to hear four Bucks County writers share their work in an authentic, living-room-style salon setting, followed by a relaxed, engaging discussion and light
refreshments. The inaugural Pride Salon highlights the richness of LGBTQ+ perspectives within the region’s literary landscape and underscores the council’s commitment to inclusivity and artistic expression.

The salon will feature:

• Chad Frame, an award-winning poet, editor, and founder of the Caesura Poetry Festival, whose work appears in major literary journals and even the Library of Congress and the Lunar Codex Project.
• Sean Hanrahan, a Philadelphia-based gay poet and author of multiple collections who also teaches and curates poetry events and reading series.
• Bill Hemmig, a short fiction writer published in literary journals and anthologies, with award-nominated work and multiple books, including Americana: Stories and Brethren Hollow.
• Nicole Steinberg, an author, editor, and former Bucks County Poet Laureate whose widely published work spans poetry, essays, and anthologies, including Glass Actress and Getting Lucky.

Each writer will present selections from their work, followed by an informal opportunity for audience engagement and conversation.

A Celebration of Voice and Community

“This salon is about honoring the written word as a living, shared experience,” said A&C President Clifford Eberly. “Pride Month offers an especially meaningful moment to elevate
voices that reflect the richness, complexity, and diversity of our community. We are proud to create a space where storytelling becomes both art and connection.”

Writer and participant Bill Hemmig reflected on the significance of the event: “Literature has always been a place where identity is explored and understood. Being part of a salon that centers both Pride and Bucks County’s creative voices feels deeply meaningful.”

The evening is designed to foster intimacy between writers and audiences, encouraging dialogue and reflection in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Event Details

What: Pride Literary Arts Salon
When: Thursday, June 4, 2026, 7:00 PM
Where: Freeman Hall, 181 East Court Street, Doylestown, PA
Admission: Free and open to the public

About the Arts & Cultural Council

The Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County exists to foster, strengthen, and promote Bucks County’s diverse arts and cultural community. Since its founding in 1974 (originally as the Bucks County Council on the Arts), the organization has played a vital role in preserving artistic heritage while cultivating new creative energy.

From early exhibitions and artist archives representing over 1,500 local creators, to its instrumental role in the founding of the James A. Michener Art Museum, the Council has
consistently championed the arts as a cornerstone of community life. Re-established in the early 2000s, the Council continues to build partnerships, support artists, and create opportunities for public engagement across all disciplines.

Today, the A&C remains dedicated to enriching arts appreciation, supporting collaboration, and
inspiring a vibrant cultural environment for artists and audiences alike.