Celebrate National Poetry Month
Posted By: Tina Walker Davis
Date Posted: 3/20/2024
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April is National Poetry Month, a time when people of all ages are encouraged to engage with poetry, whether by writing, reading, sharing, or discussing it. We have a month full of events, from poetry readings and open mic spoken word events, to classes and workshops for all skill levels. Check out the list of events below, and be sure to browse this list of new and coming-soon poetry books for some inspiration.
Poetry Reading and Book Launch: Reading Wind by Carol Barrett
Tuesday, April 2 • 6:30 p.m. • Downtown Bend Library
Join us for a night of poetry with Carol Barrett. In presenting her new book just released from The Poetry Box, a Portland-based literary press, Carol will begin with a poem for the widows who originally inspired her pursuit of poetry. She will share poems from Reading Wind, all inspired by her father, a country doctor, musician, and farmer. There will be opportunity for questions, and signed copies of books will be available for purchase.
Poetry and Nature*
Saturday, April 6 • 10:00 a.m. • Drake Park
Explore the river, wildlife, open lawn space and write a variety of poems. We’ll meet at the pedestrian bridge by the outside amphitheater. Poetry prompts and writing supplies provided. Registration required.
Art and Poetry*
Tuesday, April 9 • 5:00 p.m. • Peterson Art Gallery
Explore and learn about a new artist and write a variety of poems about your favorite art piece. (Writing supplies provided.) Registration required.
High Desert Poetry Cell
Sunday, April 14 • 2:00 p.m. • Downtown Bend Library
After a seven-year hiatus The High Desert Poetry Cell returns to DPL! The High Desert Poetry Cell is comprised of five Central Oregon poets: Larry Jacobs, Don Kunz, John Kvapil, Peter Lovering and John Martin. This group is always a crowd-pleaser. They all write and perform poems that are approachable, entertaining—and sometimes funny.
Third Thursday Spoken Word
Thursday, April 18 • 6:00 p.m. • High Desert Music Hall
Step up to the mic for a spoken word open mic night for all poets, writers, storytellers, and songwriters. All writers and readers and word-lovers invited to attend and read. Readers are invited to arrive early to sign up. Readers have seven minutes at the mic.
Third Thursday Spoken Word
Thursday, April 18 • 6:00 p.m. • The Commons
Join the OSU-Cascades MFA in Creative Writing program and the Library for open mic. All writers, readers and word-lovers are invited to attend and read. Whether you’re a first-time reader or a pro, we create a safe and welcoming space for diverse voices. Readers are invited to arrive early to sign up for seven-minute mic slots.
Art and Poetry*
Saturday, April 20 • 1:00 p.m. • Artists’ Gallery Sunriver Village
Explore and learn about a new artist and write a variety of poems about your favorite art piece. (Writing supplies provided.) Registration required.
Finding Poems Where You Expect Them!*
Monday, April 22 • 5:00 p.m. • Downtown Bend Library
Found poems are the literary equivalent of visual collage. Learn generative techniques that stimulate creative play and free the mind for spontaneous experimentation! Leave this playshop with poems for Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 25. Excellent for beginners and experienced word-lovers of all genres.