The theme of this year’s Litfest is “Silk and Sawdust: The Art and Mechanics of Literature.” Panel discussions, readings, an opening-night party, and an art exhibit: “Possessions: Literary characters and the things they carried.” This exhibit will feature artists’ interpretations of literary artifacts (think Hester Prynn’s scarlet letter; Mrs. Dalloway’s flowers; Sherlock Holmes’ pipe; Willy Wonka’s golden ticket; Proust’s madeleines.)