By Dawson Jollie
We all know the old saying: April showers bring May flowers. But no one said it has to be just about rain and flowers…especially when it’s National Poetry Month!
Of course, you could spend the day cleaning floors or dusting shelves; but why not take a break from all the spring cleaning and join a host of poetry enthusiasts at Artisan Forge for their upcoming event: “Verse in the Valley!”
Co-sponsored by the CVWG and L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, on April 12 at 6PM Artisan Forge Studios is welcoming visiting poets Abraham Smith and Mark Ehling for a night dedicated to a love for the lyrical! They, along with a host of local poets such as Asha Sen, Xin Obaid, Sara Bryan, and more, look forward to sharing their poetry live.
In addition, those who come to enjoy a bit of poetry will have an opportunity to share their own at the open mic! Because what good would this awesome poetry event be without audience participation?
B.J. Hollars, founder and executive director of the CVWG, sees Verse in the Valley as an opportunity to emphasize a special unity in the writing community: one that goes beyond the accolades and professionalism that society strives for.
““What I love about Verse in the Valley is that it provides an opportunity for nationally recognized poets to read alongside newer readers in our community.””
“Inclusion is at the core of our mission, Hollars said, “What I love about Verse in the Valley is that it provides an opportunity for nationally recognized poets to read alongside newer readers in our community.”
Alone, a single poet can write and read their work; but when you put a whole group within the same room, a synergy develops between minds. Poets and audience members can support one another, and inspire a collective motivation to utilize their art in a way that makes them most happy.
Author of the poetry collections Dear Weirdo, Bear Lite Inn, and several more, Abraham Smith expands on the communal benefits of events such as Verse in the Valley.
““Poetry widens the way forward...one of its many sweet fruitions is embodied empathy… all of us joined together can’t help but be a dear thing: a deepening of the senses….””
“Poetry widens the way forward,” Smith said, “one of its many sweet fruitions is embodied empathy… all of us joined together can't help but be a dear thing: a deepening of the senses….”
Although the genre deserves attention year-round, National Poetry Month is a particular time to highlight poets of all levels. This was what inspired Hollars, Smith and Ehling to collaborate to create a “safe, supportive, and free event for the whole community.” Artisan Forge was the ideal partner for that proposal: a location teeming with art that embodies the epitome of artistic expression.
Therefore, with so many disciplines converging in one event, it only makes sense that visual art from Mindy Huntress and live music by Lee Mynott will be accompanying the festivities on April 12!
And did I mention this is all free?! And will include snacks? What are you waiting for? Save the date, spread the word, and see you at Verse in the Valley!
Verse in the Valley will be held on April 12 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Click here for more information and directions to Artisan Forge! (just off Clairemont Ave.)
For more on other events happening this month, visit the Guild’s events page!