M. Allen Cunningham
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
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"I walk away from each session feeling inspired. Our classes are one of the best parts of my week."
-Alisha, Workshop Participant “I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much in a writing class before. I felt pushed in new ways as a writer and never discouraged.” -Portland State University student "Wonderful instructor. I've loved working with Prof. Cunningham, who is incredibly knowledgeable, warm, supportive, but tough in the right ways - and passionate about reading and writing." -Portland State University student, 2020 "[Cunningham's] talk on developing characters was the kind of workshop session that you stumble into in your dreams -- it was simply amazing. Let me tell you it takes quite a bit to amaze me." -Workshop Participant, Write to Publish Conference, Portland State University “One of the best writing classes I have taken at PSU. It has helped me think of my writing practice in ways I had never imagined.” -Portland State University student “Mark’s choice of texts was spot-on in that they all built upon one another in a cohesive way. I will be thinking about this course for the rest of my writing life. Mark has put so much planning and thought into the curriculum, and it really comes through.” -Portland State University student “This wonderful course made quite an impact on me, maybe more than any other writing course or workshop I’ve been a part of.” -Portland State University student "Mark always gave me a great deal to think about. His prompts, notes, and lectures are balanced and engaging. Thank you!"-Workshop Participant, Literary Arts (Fall 2017) "Time spent with Mark has been golden!"-Workshop Participant, Literary Arts (Fall 2017) "I really enjoyed the workshop. The class addressed exactly the kinds of things I've struggled to put my finger on. So thank you!"-Workshop Participant, Literary Arts (Fall 2017) "That was the fastest three hours ever!"-Workshop Participant, Wordstock (Fall 2017) "Excellent! Inspired and inspiring! You did a brilliant job. Thank you."-Guest Lecture attendee, Pan-European MFA (Fall 2017) "The class has been truly stimulating and powerful, and these specifics on shaping and improving my manuscript are EXACTLY what I was seeking." -Course Participant, Literary Arts (Spring 2017) "Very thought-provoking. I think of my writing in a new way."-Course Participant, Literary Arts (Spring 2017) “[Mark Cunningham was] well prepared, offered great readings and excellent concepts to take to my practice. Really great, learned so much. Thank you!” -Course Participant, Literary Arts (Spring 2017) "The Atelier26 workshop was every bit as rewarding and instructive as I knew it would be. As a long-time writer, the feedback and support I got from the other members (but particularly from the instructor Mark Cunningham) was incredibly positive and productive in terms of learning new methods to streamline my writing, making it tighter and more polished. It was a wonderfully substantive learning process and one that I hope to continue in future workshops." -Workshop Participant "The Atelier26 workshop is excellent! Mark Cunningham clearly empathizes with and respects writers and led each critique session with focus, kindness, and a quiet determination to push each of us into a deeper understanding of our strengths and areas for improvement. The craft readings were inspiring and thought-provoking, and I came away from each session with my love of writing re-ignited. Highly recommended for serious writers in Portland." -Workshop Participant "I valued the academic nature of the workshop. Discussion of current theories and concepts was helpful to my writing practice. I enjoyed working in a small group of skilled writers, and I found the 'silent author' approach to be very effective. The readings were interesting and challenging. The workshop left me challenged and inspired. I gained meaningful connections, received constructive feedback, and learned new concepts that have pushed my skill and motivation forward." -Workshop Participant "The hour-long discussion of my submission, the extensive annotations, and additional reading material provided by the instructor proved to be invaluable and enjoyable. The workshop format was well-balanced, enlivening, and informative. The instructor is highly intelligent and he creates an atmosphere of generous discussion and literary exploration." -Erin, Workshop Participant "The discussions of literary technique and theory were extremely beneficial. The comments from the other writers and instructor were immensely beneficial. Look no further: Atelier26's writing workshop will fire your mind and move your pen across paper!" -Workshop Participant The following comments are copied directly from correspondence with Oregon Humanities Council staff, concerning participant evaluations on my seminar "From Print to Pixel": “Feedback was all very positive. The overwhelming majority of participants agreed that the conversation helped them to better understand the topic, and folks described the program as ‘thoughtful,’ ‘important,’ and ‘stimulating.’ [Program host said] ‘The program totally exceeded my expectations because it was fun and educational. I wanted it to go on longer!’ She also commented that you ‘politely cut off’ a few folks who were talking a lot. Nice!” --program at Cornelius Public Library “Mark was professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and took time to get to know each of the attendees. He made them feel welcome and encouraged their active participation.”--program host, Eugene Public Library “[Program host] rated the program highly and included this humorous comment: ‘One of our Friends officers, a retired executive who can be a bit difficult to please, emailed me the morning after the program and said, ‘I liked having the conversation and not just being talked to.’ Folks also rated the program highly and described the conversation as enlightening, lively, to the point, spirited, and made me more aware. A few highlights from the comments re: memorable/surprising moments: ‘It inspired me to read the books recommended by the presenter’; ‘The quotes from the past seemed very modern’; ‘The amount of participation’; ‘The success of the evening!’ ”--program at The Dalles Public Library “[Program host said] ‘Mark laid the groundwork and elicited ideas and responses from the group. He did an excellent job with visual aids to complement his ideas.’ All ratings were very high and here are a few highlights re: memorable/surprising moments: ‘How involved we have become in the transmission of information’; ‘Neurological research of impact on brain evolution’; ‘The thoughtfulness of others who participated.’ ”--program at Newport Public Library “One participant wrote that ‘the historical perspectives on changing technologies, how technologies shape us, and the interplay of the technologies and how/why we use them’ was the most memorable thing she took away.”--program at Canby Public Library “The majority of participants ‘agreed’ on all factors on which we evaluate - that the program helped them more fully understand the topic, that they're more likely to continue the conversation, etc. One comment said, ‘the program was interesting but not conclusive.’ In a way, I think that’s exactly the point… Folks described the program as enlightening, eye-opening, interesting, engaging, stimulating, and intriguing.”--program at Prineville Public Library “The program was well designed and thoughtful with a variety of means of participation and delivery. The arranged ‘surprises,’ humor, and solid historical foundation - as well as current research - were thought-provoking.”--program host, Forest Grove Library “Feedback from the three library hosts was all positive and glowing. Nice comments were submitted such as: ‘The discussion of ideology and technology helped me put together what had been disassociated ideas’ and ‘Enjoyed that the quotes that seemed so current were from many years ago. An interesting ‘a ha’ about change.’ The evaluations from Ashland really echoed your road report comments about it being an engaging conversation that really dug deep.”--feedback on three consecutive programs at Southern Oregon libraries “All of the rating-scale questions were very positive! The host did mention that she thought your use of the note cards was very helpful for participants to gather their thoughts and then share them as part of the conversation.”--program at Tigard Public Library “All positive feedback. One person wrote, ‘Today’s program reinforced my love of the printed word’ and another said, ‘Mark laid out this thought-provoking and timely conversation in a very interesting way.’ ”--program at Vernonia Public Library “Everyone rated the program very highly, host and participants alike. People described the conversation as excellent, informative, thought-provoking, stimulating, relevant, lively, and entertaining.”--program at Alpine Community Center, Benton County |
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