Write In Louisa to hold first Open Mic+ Saturday, Oct.10

Writers group invites public to Louisa Arts Center for afternoon of readings by local writers and more

By Madeline Spencer

In Louisa County, there are few places where writers can step up to the mic and share their work with a supportive audience. Now, they will do so on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, when Write In Louisa holds its inaugural Open Mic+ from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Purcell Gallery at Louisa Arts Center.

Write In Louisa has made it a goal to bring events that are popular and loved in bigger areas like Charlottesville and Richmond to Louisa County, giving local authors and writers a space to share their work close to home.

Karen Welch, Executive Director of Louisa Arts Center, stated, “We are excited to offer this opportunity to hear local writers share their work in a setting that is welcoming, inspiring and fun. We invite everyone to come out to support the literary arts and enjoy what we hope will become a regularly scheduled event at Louisa Arts Center.”

"Reading is great. It engages the brain into concept mode, but 'hearing' those same words from the author or poet themselves, kicks our senses to another level,” said Randy Holladay, columnist and retired teacher. “We encourage you, your family and friends to come out and feel the emotion of the spoken word."

Write In Louisa aspires to support local writers by providing a welcoming, creative environment that encourages writers to grow. Writer and artist C. S. Ellison said of the group, “It is a safe place for our voices to be heard and not judged. The camaraderie and special bonds we have with each other are amazing. It really is a place to thrive individually and within the group.”

“All writers deserve to have a community like this,” said poet and author Katherine Gotthardt, the group’s founder.“We encourage everyone to find and support that community right here in Louisa County. This is a great opportunity to listen, share, connect and have fun in a wonderful setting Louisa Arts Center kindly provides.”

Writers, their families and friends are getting excited about the event. Longtime Louisa resident Larry Kavanagh, who is both an author and a retired County teacher, joked, “Come to the Open Mic+ and let me read for you how to be a curmudgeon and be happy about it.”

He added “If you come, you’re sure to see just how much passion goes into the work of local writers.”

Mary Mobley, writer and past leader of the Richmond Writers Group, said, “There is so much more to writing than bestseller lists. Some of the most outstanding, but not yet discovered, writers could be living right next door to you or down the street. Meet some of them at Write In Louisa's first-time-ever open mic event. You may just find your new favorite author.”

Signups for reading are in progress, and walk-ins will be invited to read as time allows. The group’s anthology, Right at Home, will be available for a $5 donation. In addition, the Open Mic+ will feature giveaways, raffles and door prizes. Prizes include books by Kavanagh and Gotthardt, gift cards, an “autumn comfort” gift basket, and two memberships to WriterHouse in Charlottesville.

“Besides being fortunate enough to have the support from Louisa Arts Center which provides space and other resources for monthly gatherings, Write In Louisa is grateful to WriterHouse’s help in nurturing the growing literary community here in Louisa County,” Gotthardt said. “The memberships they have provided for the raffles are truly valuable. One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to nonprofit Louisa Arts Center so they can continue to hold enriching, entertaining and inspiring programs like these.”

Louisa Arts Center is located at 212 Fredericksburg Avenue, Louisa. For more information on the event and Write In Louisa, visit WriteInLouisa.org.

About Write In Louisa

Write In Louisa is a creative writing group designed for adult writers and aspiring writers with any level of experience, from any background. From published authors to those simply interested in exploring different forms of self-expression, all are encouraged to take part in programs held at Louisa Arts Center, a nonprofit providing opportunities for the community to explore and enjoy the arts. Learn more at WriteInLouisa.org.