Charles Edward Payne made a community more generous, more curious, more capable. A writer, poet, teacher, storyteller, mentor, and social artist, Charles was at Arts + Literature Laboratory a lot. He learned here and taught here. He read poems, took classes, curated exhibitions, planned programs, celebrated other artists, and brought his unmistakable deep voice, enormous laugh, and infectious smile.
More than anything, Charles had a gift for making room for other people. He listened closely and recognized possibilities in people before they could recognize them in themselves. As a teacher, artist, and friend, he understood that access to art, and to spaces where people are encouraged to make it, can change what someone imagines is possible.
The Charles E. Payne Literary Fund
At the request of Charles’ wife, Liz Boyd, Arts + Literature Laboratory has established the Charles E. Payne Literary Fund. In lieu of flowers, cards, or gifts, Liz invites those who would like to honor Charles to contribute to the fund, which will help make literary programming more accessible to writers and community members in Madison.
A gift to this fund is one way to continue something Charles practiced throughout his life: making a little more room for somebody else.
Donate to the Charles E. Payne Literary Fund:
To learn more about Charles’ life, his writing, the people and places he loved, and the many communities lucky enough to know him, visit the memorial website created by Liz and friends.
Visit the Charles E. Payne Memorial Page: