Poetry Workshops
Allow patrons to examine themselves and learn from past and present experiences through writing/hearing poetry. -- Facilitate patrons gaining insight on the idea of “place” and how it informs individuals’ identities. -- Help patrons understand the worlds of others. -- Allow both the poetry readers and writers to experience the beauty of the written word. -- Promote patron creativity. Educate patrons about poetry writing through listening to a reading and providing the opportunity to ask questions of the poet.
Participant responses from the poetry workshops:
"Helps you think differently and be confident to write without worrying about what anyone else is doing."
"The poets were very interesting. Their poems were extremely good! Really enjoyed it! Loved the class!"
"I wasn’t real gung ho about poetry, but Sheila and Michelle did a great job. The first several writing exercises “set the hook” and I was caught."
"Different aspects of the sense of “place” in our lives—fascinating poems from Michelle Matthees about Duluth’s East Hillside, and Sheila Packa’s years on the Range and the idea of the place of nature. "
"I was reminded that much poetry grows from common place experiences."
"There are very talented poets in MN that keep working hard and writing amazing poetry."
Arrowhead Library System and the regional Arrowhead Libraries listed under “Date of Program.” The Spirit Lake Poetry Series sponsored the bulk of Ms. Valentine’s travel and fees (amassing to ~$4,000 +). They also obtained the venue, coordinated, and marketed the event. The Spirit Lake Poetry Series covered the bulk of the fees and travel for the poet panel event.