ART POETICA

Welcome to Art Poetica, a satisfyingly creative space for teens who want to express themselves and be heard through poetry and art, from beginning to end — theory, memory, practice, and song!

Poetry holds a unique power, especially for young people, as it offers a boundless platform to explore expression and personal identity. The rhythmic ebb and flow of words and sounds get deep into the mind, a discovery of not just a creative outlet, but a profound way to voice your deepest thoughts and boldest dreams. Or, if you prefer, hide it all behind the mask of performance art.

In the crafting of verses, poets learn to wield language with precision and flair, turning your abstract emoting into palpable realities that resonate with others. Poetry is not just an art form but a transformative tool that encourages young individuals to shape their future, assert their values, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. This is the way of the poet.

So, are you ready to unleash your inner poet and see your words come to print? It doesn’t matter if you're a seasoned wordsmith or just starting to explore the rhythms of poetry, this workshop is your platform to perform and grow. But we won’t just be engaging in performance. This program will teach you how to refine your writing skills in crafting words that not only sound good, but look good on the printed page.

In Art Poetica, you'll connect with other young poets, learn from talented instructors, and dive deep into the art of poetry.

Not only that, but you will be introduced to the business and mechanics and independent self-publishing. You’ll not only write it, but you’ll be able to see it go from rough draft to finished product as you are taken step-by-step through the editing, design, and layout phases. Then finally, publication.

This program aims to publish a completed poetry anthology comprised of teen contributors in six months time.

Each of these components is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the publishing process, empowering you to take your poetry from the page to the public.

So, grab your pens, open your notebooks, and get ready to create, collaborate, and celebrate your unique voice! It’s time to make some noise with your words in Art Poetica!

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

[1] Dynamic Workshops: Get hands-on with writing exercises that challenge your creativity and enhance your skills. Foster confidence and a sense of agency as you share your poems.

[2] Collaborative Sessions: Work alongside peers who share your passion for poetry and expression. Engage in dialogues that bridge diverse experiences and perspectives, enriching your understanding of the art and your place within it.

[3] Mentorship Opportunities: Learn from experienced poets who know what it takes to inspire and engage audiences.

[4] Publication Possibilities: Contribute to a profess-ionally published anthology, a compilation of the best works of both yours and your peers, published for the world to see.

Here's some of what you'll learn:

Editing Skills: In our workshop, you'll learn the crucial skill of editing — how to refine your poems to fully capture the messages you wish to convey. Whether it’s choosing the right word, adjusting the flow, or correcting grammar, mastering editing is essential. For those who find editing challenging, we’ll also cover how to seek and work with professional editors to polish your work. This ensures your poetry is impactful and reader-ready when it’s time to publish.

Book Layout: Understanding how to lay out a book is key to creating an engaging reader experience. In this workshop, we’ll dive into the basics of book layouts, exploring how the arrangement of poems on a page, the choice of fonts, and the use of white space can enhance the poetic experience. You’ll gain hands-on experience in designing a layout that complements the thematic and aesthetic attributes of your poetry.

Book Design: Beyond the basic concepts, our workshop introduces you to both fundamental and advanced concepts of book design. This includes choosing cover art that speaks to the theme of your collection, understanding typography, and the importance of visual elements that attract and please readers. By the end of the workshop, you'll be equipped to make design decisions that turn a collection of poems into a cohesive, visually appealing book.

Insights into The Publishing Industry: There’s more to publishing than just uploading a book to Amazon or formatting an ebook. Our workshop will guide you through the broader landscape of the publishing industry, including traditional publishing houses, the role of literary agents, and the opportunities in literary journals and competitions. You’ll learn how different publishing avenues can affect the success of your work, and how to navigate these paths to best suit your goals as a young poet.

⟪ Poetry is a person's rebellion against being what they are. ⟫

- James Branch Cabell, Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice