Amy Wheeler: Paying Attention

Have a question or comment for Rhonda? Send us a text!Amy & Rhonda talk about lessons learned in the pandemic, returning to writing, crows in the yard, signs in the cards, getting letters from Beverly Cleary, and so much more.  Be sure to follow on your favorite streaming service to be notified of new episodes and BONUS content!Amy Wheeler’s (she / they) passion for creativity, community and collaboration fuels her work as a theatre artist, writer, educator, nonprofit arts leader and creative entrepreneur. They are deeply committed to equity and empowering the voices and stories of those who have historically not been heard.Amy had the remarkable experience of leading Hedgebrook, the renowned writer’s residency on Whidbey Island, through a transformative 17 years as a board member and Executive Director. Under her guidance, the organization evolved from a beloved local nonprofit into an influential global community of female-identified writers authoring change in the arts, culture and social justice.Celebrating the culmination of her tenure, Seattle Arts & Lectures recognized Amy with the 2020 Prowda Literary Champion Award for “demonstrating true commitment to the Pacific Northwest’s community of readers and writers.” Currently, Amy teaches playwriting and creative writing at Cornish College of the Arts, and in Seattle University’s Arts Leadership MFA program, and consults with arts nonprofits. As a working playwright, she is collaborating with artists across the country on plays and musicals, and champions playwrights and their new work through her venture Play Club: a book club for theatre lovers and makers.Amy holds an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Cornish, an MFA from the University of Iowa Playwrights Workshop, and a BFA in theatre from the University of Kansas. She sits on the national board of the Artist Communities Alliance and is a Yaddo fellow and Hedgebrook alum.Amy shares life with her wife and creative partner Kate Buzard in a historic dancehall on Whidbey Island, lovingly restored by Kate.