'Space to dream': Ursula K. Le Guin's longtime Portland home to welcome aspiring writers

Ursula K. Le Guin's family is donating her beloved Portland home to Literary Arts, a nonprofit that will transform the space into a residency program for aspiring writers. This house on Northwest Thurman Street was where Le Guin lived and created significant works starting in the 1960s, making it a cultural landmark. Her son, Theo Downes-Le Guin, emphasized her roles as both a mother and a passionate activist, recounting how she often prioritized writing over household chores to dedicate herself to her craft. The home is not just a backdrop for her literary achievements; it also served as a platform for her activism, where she made bold statements during the Iran-Iraq War by publicly displaying casualty counts.

The donation aims to inspire future generations of writers by providing them with the same space that nurtured Le Guin's creativity. This initiative reflects the enduring influence of Le Guin's work and her commitment to literature and social justice. The residency program is expected to foster new artistic voices and celebrate Le Guin’s legacy. Her home thus transitions from a private sanctuary to a public space dedicated to literary inspiration.