Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
And if you love poetry…
I’ve got good news for you.
A newly expanded iteration of Arts & Humanities Bainbridge’s longtime celebration of National Poetry Month, Poetry Corners PLUS, is coming to Bainbridge Island in April and bringing with it a plethora of prose-related festivities. New to this year’s lineup, in addition to the traditional live reading by a selection of local poets, special guest poets from around the state — including several offered through the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau — will give live readings, presentations and classes.
“Poetry Corners is a celebration of our island writers’ creativity and expression,” said Kellie Shannon Elliott, Poetry Month coordinator for Arts & Humanities Bainbridge. “Thanks to our partnerships with so many other local cultural organizations, this may be the most expansive month of poetry events the island has enjoyed.”
The month begins Sunday, April 2 with a presentation by Whidbey Island poet Judith Adams, and culminates on Sunday, April 30 with a screening of the award-winning poetry slam documentary “Louder Than a Bomb,” with both events set to take place in the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art auditorium — and lots of other happenings in between.
Throughout the month, winning poems from the 2017 Poetry Corners juried competition will be displayed in storefronts throughout Winslow and around the island as part of “Poetry Corners Around Town.”
Bloedel Reserve will welcome the return of Poetry Month with an installation of poetry panels on scenic trails throughout the grounds as part of “Poetry Panels at Bloedel.” Visitors can pause to enjoy more than 15 poems as they stroll through the scenic walk. Visit www.bloedelreserve.org for hours and admission information.
Also happening throughout April is “Poetry Windows at BIMA,” a museum store window display celebrates the art form, with different poems appearing digitally all through the month.
Contact www.adminAHbainbridge.org for more information about any of the listed events. The special first-time goings on, new to the celebration this year, include:
“A Fierce Language: Falling in Love with Poetry” with Judith Adams at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 2 at BIMA, a discussion about the power of poetry and its ability to transform our lives.
“The Written Image: Blending Poetry with the Visual Arts” with Shin Yu Pai at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 16 at BIMA.
The renowned Seattle writer will help attendees discover the fascinating work that can result when the visual arts an poetry collide. Presented by AHB and Humanities Washington, with support from BIMA and Bainbridge Arts & Crafts. Admission is free, but seating is limited; reserve your seat through www.biartmuseum.org/calendar.
“An Evening of Poetry with Linda Bierds and Tod Marshall” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20 at BIMA.
Bainbridge resident Linda Bierds uses a framework of scientific knowledge, art history and historical reference to create forceful, scholarly poems. She is joined by current Washington Seattle Poet Laureate Tod Marshall, whose work is marked by lingual agility, narrative complexity, and an obvious delight in the beauty and versatility of the English Language. Admission is $10.
“A Day of Writing with Natalie Goldberg, Karen Finneyfrock, and Kisha Lewellyn Schlegel” on Saturday, April 22 at Bloedel Reserve.
Three writers lead walks through Bloedel Reserve, with lunch in the residence and afternoon breakout sessions. Email lcounsel@bloedelreserve.org for more information.
“Poetry Corners LIVE, Community Poetry Reading and Reception” from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 27 at BIMA.
Winners of the Poetry Corners juried competition present their works to a live audience. Copies of this year’s chapbook of winning poems, “Expression,” will be offered for sale.
Screening of “Louder Than A Bomb” at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 30 at BIMA. The film drops its audience into the world’s largest youth poetry slam, where more than 600 Chicago teens compete, share the joy of being young and the pain of growing up. It’s about speaking out, making noise, finding your voice and poetry. The screening includes a special live performance by a Seattle Youth Speaks poet. Admission is $10.
