Poetry Workshop with Teens and Elders

Joy and Resistance: The Bridge

Join the Whidbey Institute’s inaugural poet laureate, Mary Elizabeth Himes, for a free two-hour workshop at Storyhouse designed to connect teens and elders to share their experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity for teens to hear the stories of life’s journeys and how the past links to the present.

In a world that has become digitized, youth can often feel unseen and elders can feel forgotten. This workshop will make space for bridging the gap of experience and illuminate how elders have impacted their world and how younger generations can gain hope for the future. We will use a form of writing called Ekphrastic poetry, which is defined as “the  poet engages with a painting, drawing, sculpture, or other form of visual art. Poetry about music and dance might also be considered a type of ekphrastic writing.”

Workshop Timeline for Saturday, April 12:

• 10:00am – 10:20am — Connecting with introductions
• 10:25am – 10:30am — Prompts using imagery (photographs, natural surroundings, paintings)
• 10:35am – 11:20am – Writing exercise
• 11:25am – 12:00pm – Sharing the experience

Participants are encouraged to bring an item to share for the prompt. Refreshments, light snacks, and writing materials will be provided.

To get to Storyhouse, turn left after passing the Waldorf School campus. Follow the signs and look for the parking attendant.