In the Writers’ Studio: the Critic. Featuring Michael Dirda, Ron Charles & Sean Murphy

Thursday, May 14, 2026 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM EDT
Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I St NW

The Cheuse Center and the Arts Club of Washington bring you four evenings in celebration of the craft of writing and the art of living, inaugurated by former Poet Laureate, Robert Pinsky. The second in the series features 'The Critic'. 

Ticket link coming soon.

On March 6th, 2026, the series will be inaugurated by former US Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, who went to Rutgers with Alan Cheuse and was a close friend of his for their entire adult lives. Alan Cheuse was NPRs book critic for 30 years. Pinksy will chat with William Miller, friend and colleague of Alan Cheuse’s, as well as co-founder of the Cheuse Center. The studio will also feature Alan Cheuse’s students, writer Britany Kerfoot, and Lina Patton whose novel ‘The Lake Club’ releases in the summer of 2026.

Date: 14th May, 2026

Time: 6:30 reception; 7:30-8:30 program

Tickets: $50 ($40 for club members)

Location: Second Floor, the Arts Club. This venue has no elevator to the second floor; please contact us if this is an issue.

This fireside chat will include a discussion, audience participation, food, and wine. Doors open at 6:30pm with a wine and food reception. 

The series: This series is in celebration of the tenth year anniversary of the Cheuse Center. We have created an opportunity for audiences to celebrate and contemplate their own purpose and joy, through special pairings with esteemed writers, celebrating book critic and teacher Alan Cheuse. Throughout his teaching career Cheuse held small dinner workshops and talked about life and craft with students and colleagues. His students Lina Patton and Brittany Kerfoot found them so inspiring, they decided to bring the format to the Arts Club, as fireside chats, celebrating their beloved teacher, Alan Cheuse as friend, writer, critic, and teacher.