R.I.S.E. Fest, a festival in western Massachusetts founded by expressive arts educator Gina M. Krosoczka and her husband, graphic novelist Jarrett J. Krosoczka, hosted its first event over the weekend of April 18. Authors and students were invited to the Northampton Center for the Arts for two days of panels, workshops, and performances from authors and students. “Our young people need to feel seen and celebrated,” said Jarrett in a statement. “R.I.S.E. Fest was built on that belief, and the outpouring of support from the community shows we’re not alone in that vision.”
The band Madmen, comprised of Northampton High School students, kicked off the R.I.S.E. Fest on Friday evening.
(From l.): YA authors Louangie Bou-Montes, TillIe Walden, and David Levithan, in a discussion led by Northampton High School teacher Haley Pearl.
High Five Books owner Lexi Wright (r.) at the book signing table with author-illustrator Emma Hunsinger (l.) and author Kyle Lukoff (c.).
R.I.S.E. co-founder Gina Krosoczka (l.) with expressive arts educator Leslie Grant of Cognitive Intuitive Art.
Author Holly Black leads a group of students in a writing master class.
Graphic novelists Jamar Nicholas (l.) and Raúl the Third (r.) at the book signing table with R.I.S.E. co-founder Jarrett J. Krosoczka (c.).
Seventh-grader Louie Phipps performs a soulful set.
