World Class Poetry Blog

Mixing Poetry With Art
Is Good Exposure For All
19 June 2008, the poet @ 7:52 pm

I just returned from an art exhibit in which I was the featured poet.

Rich Hemmings is a friend of mine who runs one of the best poetry readings here in South Central Pennsylvania. The poetry reading is in York, Pa. and his name for the venue is Poetry Brew. They meet twice a month at an art gallery in York. But once a month the gallery changes out its exhibit and when they do they have their reception party for the artist and what they call a “Poetry Bomb.”

The Poetry Bomb is simply a short reading period that features one poet with a strict three minute reading period. The main event is the showcasing of the art that will be on exhibit for the next month. But the poetry is simply a way to mix the art with literature in a way that doesn’t intrude upon either the artists or the poets and that allows extra exposure to each before a group of people that might not otherwise pay attention to either. It’s a great concept.

I like these types of mixed arts events because there should be some cross communication between the arts. One lady approached me after the reading and mentioned that she was a painter. She complimented me on my poetry because she said that she could visualize what I was actually reading. As a painter that is very important for her. She gave me a postcard with one of her paintings on the face of it and her calling card information on the back. It’s a good way to network with other artists with different skills.

If you live in a community where you can find an art gallery, this might be something you could try. Ask the gallery director if you could sponsor an open reading at the gallery on nights where they are not using the gallery or if you could introduce a short reading featuring a single poet at one of their exhibit receptions. It’s a win-win for poets and artists too.

2 Comments a “Mixing Poetry With Art
Is Good Exposure For All”

1. Poet Hound — June 20, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
   

   I always love the idea of mixing art and poetry, I’m thrilled to hear it is happening where you are! Perhaps when I have more free time I’ll see if any galleries in my neck of the woods are game.

2. the poet — June 21, 2008 @ 7:21 am
   

   PH, I hope you are able to find a gallery in your area that would be willing to host poetry readings. It’s a great environment for it.

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