Dan Rattiner Speaks with Artist April Gornik About Author John Steinbeck’s House
Oct 13, 2022
auto_awesome
Renowned East End artist April Gornik discusses John Steinbeck's Sag Harbor house, its preservation challenges, and the efforts to save it as a writer's retreat. The podcast explores the importance of preserving Steinbeck's legacy, his impact on the village, and the collaborative efforts with Stony Brook University.
Preservation efforts aim to maintain John Steinbeck's Sag Harbor home as a writer's retreat.
Partnerships with universities like UT Austin are crucial for the preservation plan of Steinbeck's estate.
Deep dives
Efforts to Preserve John Steinbeck's Home and Writing Studio in Sag Harbor
John Steinbeck's modest home and writing studio in Sag Harbor, which holds historical significance as the place where he penned his Nobel prize-winning novel 'One of Our Discontent' and 'Travels with Charlie,' is at the core of preservation efforts led by April Gornick. The initiative aims to maintain the property as a retreat for writers, highlighting Steinbeck's legacy and the profound impact the village had on his work and personal life. Despite being owned by a consortium of relatives, the community seeks to secure the estate to prevent potential commercial development that would diminish its historical value.
Collaboration with Universities for Preservation
Partnerships with universities like University of Texas at Austin (UT) and Stony Brook are pivotal in the preservation plan for Steinbeck's home and studio. UT Austin's significant Steinbeck holdings and expertise in writers' programs align well with the project's goals. The collaboration involves establishing a board representing various community stakeholders to ensure sustainable management, including interactions with residents and limited public access while maintaining the property's residential character.
Fundraising and Future Plans
The preservation initiative relies on a mix of funding sources, including community donations and grants, to bridge the financial gap required for acquiring Steinbeck's property. Strategies involve creating a separate entity, resembling the model used for the cinema project, to oversee operations autonomously. While UT Austin commits to substantial funding over time, community support remains crucial for the project's success, enabling aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts to benefit from the preserved writing retreat.
Episode 101: This week on the “Dan’s Talks” podcast, Dan speaks with return guest April Gornik, a renowned East End artist, about legendary author John Steinbeck’s Sag Harbor house, a six-sided building that the writer built with his own hands not long after leaving California for the East End whaling village in 1955. Steinbeck enjoyed much success from his Sag Harbor home, including a Nobel Prize for Literature.
Find the “Dan’s Talks” podcast at DansPapers.com/podcast.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode