JANINE HARRISON

Highland Poet Laureateships are one-year volunteer positions, and my term will end, fittingly, at the conclusion of National Poetry Month (April) next year.

Plans (so far!) are as follows:

Painting Poetics at the Promise You Art House (Working Title)

Monday, February 19^th, 6:30 – 8 PM

Promise You Art House

In this workshop, poets (all levels are invited) will be introduced to ekphrastic poetry, a form in which poets interact with works of art. We will roam Highland’s new Promise You Art House gallery, seeking inspiration, and then write and workshop our drafts as a supportive writing community. This event will likely require advance registration.

Sacred Space: A Women Writers Workshop

Saturday, March 3^rd, 10 AM – 1 PM

Highland Public Library

 sacred – adjective | sa-cred | \ ˈsā-krəd \

5b.  highly valued and important (Merriam-Webster)

Please dress comfortably, grab your journal and favorite pen (or computer) and join us for a writing workshop that will include poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction prompt response writing and discussion in a relaxed and supportive community environment.

The event is in honor of Women’s History Month; however, individuals of all genders are welcome. The workshop is free to attend, but a donation of one store-bought item (cannot be homemade!) for the lunchtime potluck would be greatly appreciated!

Sip 2 Open Mic & Slam (Working Title)

Friday, April 6^th, 7 – 10 PM

Sip Coffeehouse and Artisanal Café

Come sip smooth syllables as spoken word artists offer up cups of steaming hot and iced poetry.  Evening will include both an open mic and a slam competition.  Open mic is free; a small fee will be charged for the slam.  Entrance fee will serve as prize money; winner takes all!

All events are free to attend and open to the public.

During National Poetry Month, a large Indiana Poet-themed display, a poetry collection common read (title TBA — stay tuned!) and related discussion event, and more will be available at the Highland Public Library!

Every day in April, the Highland Poet Laureate Facebook page will feature poetry-themed posts, including a special focus on Indiana poets and information about local poetry happenings.

I hope to pull a few other ideas out of my black beret before all is said and done.  As always, I am open to suggestions and collaboration; please email me at highlandpoetlaureate@gmail.com  Send an email, too, if you would like to be added to the e-blast list.

May your 2018 be filled with excellent health, much happiness, and whizz-bang words!