Irene Zabytko receives fellowship for new book (05/20/01)

Irene Zabytko receives fellowship for new book

MIDLAND, Mich. - Northwood University here recently announced the four new recipients of the Alden B. Dow Creativity Center Fellowships for this year, among them was Irene Zabytko, author of "The Sky Unwashed."

Ms. Zabytko is a Ukrainian American born and raised in Chicago who has spent much time abroad in Ukraine teaching English and visiting friends who live near Chornobyl. Her Ukrainian background is reflected in most of her work.

In addition to the successful "The Sky Unwashed." Ms. Zabytko is working on a few other books. Her next one is a collection of short stories based on her ethnic Chicago neighborhood (tentatively titled "Displaced Persons") and is ready for publication.

As a Creativity Fellow, Ms. Zabytko will be working on a project to write an updated version of Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" set in post-soviet Ukraine. The book is tentatively called "The Days of Miracle and Wonder" and the stories will portray Americans and post-Soviets who try to understand each other's different lives and histories.

The Alden B. Dow Creativity Center Fellowship Program, named for the late Michigan architect laureate, was established in 1979 and is designed to spread Dow's philosophy of encouraging people to think creatively. Each year fellowships are offered to individuals in varied fields who wish to pursue a creative or innovative idea. The award includes round-trip transportation to the university, room and board for the summer and a stipend.

The fellows' projects will be presented at the end of the summer, on August 16 at the Griswold Communications Center on Northwood's campus in Midland and will be open to the public.

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