The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) is pleased to introduce its newest board members, Laura Matson Hahn and Ashley Wellman. Board President, Peggy Kjelgaard, said about the appointments, “We are so fortunate to have Ashley and Laura on our board of directors. They bring new energy, creative ideas, a passion for writing and a powerful network to the table. The future of the Writers’ Colony is in good hands, thanks to visionaries like Laura and Ashley that have accepted the challenge to be a part of our team and help us grow.”
Laura Matson Hahn was born in Chicago, raised in Northern New Jersey, educated in Rhode Island and Michigan, lived in Pennsylvania, and recently moved to Arkansas. She received a Master’s in Communications and spent 30 years working in communications, cutting her teeth on the then new cable TV industry, and moving into corporate communications. Her attention then turned to crafting her novel, The Heart Code, an homage to bohemian culture inspired by her life-long commitment to the philosophy of living according to the heart’s voice and wisdom. Later, she shared her gifts with students of creative writing and performance of literature, two of her deepest joys. Upon relocating to Beaver Lake in 2018, she and her husband dove into the country life raising guinea hens and dogs, developing their 3 acres, and participating in community activities. Learn more about Laura at www.theheartcode.com.
Dr. Ashley Wellman has been a scholar specializing in homicide, victimology, and trauma since 2008. Her work has focused on grief, loss, and recovery following an experience with violent victimization. She has published over 30 academic articles, spoken at national and international topics, and frequently serves as a media expert on these topics. As a widow and single mother, Ashley turned to creative writing to rebuild and redefine her life. Now, as a children's book author and owner of aMUSEd Fine Art & Extraordinary Books in Eureka Springs, she is creating a life full of magic for her family while spreading a message of love, acceptance, and friendship to all those who interact with her books and business. Learn more about Ashley at www.ashleywellman.com.
Since opening its doors to writers in 2000, the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow has made a lasting impact on the arts and literary communities through its mission to nurture writers of all genres, backgrounds, and levels of experience in a supportive environment that builds community, energizes creative expression, stimulates new thinking, and optimizes productivity. The WCDH has hosted over 1,500 writers from 48 states and 13 countries. For more information, please visit www.writerscolony.org or call Michelle Hannon or Jeanne Glass at (479)253-7444.