Reimagining The West Through Contemporary Ghost Stories

Join us for a special evening of storytelling as we explore the haunting legacy of the American West through contemporary ghost stories. This Flash Fiction Pop-Up, inspired by Dagny Walton's exhibition This Land is Haunted, features local writers presenting original short stories that reimagine the myths of the West through supernatural elements.

Experience a captivating blend of fiction and art as writers delve into themes of colonization, environmental destruction, and the mythic cowboy, all while drawing inspiration from Walton’s evocative artwork. The stories will examine haunting violence, lingering spirits, and the lasting impact of historical injustice in the American West.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear stories that challenge the boundaries between history, myth, and the supernatural—brought to life in the heart of MAM.

Admission is free, and all are welcome!

OPEN CALL FOR WRITERS: 

In collaboration with Dagny Walton's exhibition This Land is Haunted, MAM invites writers to participate in MAM’s Flash Fiction Pop-Up: Reimagining the West. This event will delve into the haunting legacy of the American West through contemporary ghost stories or by reimagining the myths of the West. Authors are encouraged to engage these supernatural elements to explore themes of colonization, reassure of Native people, environmental destruction, and the mythic cowboy. Let Walton’s evocative artwork inspire your story, as you examine haunting violence, lingering spirits, and the enduring consequences of historical injustice.

Event Guidelines:

• Flash Fiction: Submissions should be concise, no more than 500 words.

• Authors can submit up to two stories each

• Writing Prompts: Writers are invited to select a title and artwork from Dagny Walton's This Land is Haunted collection as inspiration for their story. Use the title and the visual representation of the piece as your writing prompt, considering how your narrative might complement or be enhanced by Walton's visual and performance art. Explore the haunting legacy of the American West, its violence, and its supernatural forces as you craft your contemporary ghost story.

• Submit ghost stories to: marie@missoulaartmuseum.org

Three stories will be selected for presentation at the event, and the winning submission will receive a print from Dagny Walton's collection.

Please submit your story, along with a brief bio. We look forward to seeing how you reinterpret the myths of the American West through your storytelling. 

Please use these works for your writing prompts: Red Hand, All the Women Weeping, Shoot the Messenger, and The Magician