Creative 360 Celebrates National Poetry Month

On Sunday, April 23^th, community members of all ages, experiences and backgrounds will come together to celebrate poetry’s place in our personal lives and our culture as Creative 360, in partnership with Cheryl & Larry Levy, celebrates National Poetry Month with the Midland Reads Poetry.

This spoken word program will feature community members sharing poems that have special meaning to them. While some of the poems are written by the readers, many are by published poets like Mary Oliver, Gwendolyn Brooks, William Shakespeare, Laurence Ferlinghetti, and local favorite Jared Morningstar.

Larry, a retired literature professor, and Cheryl, a retired librarian, have always had a love for poetry. They created Midland Reads Poetry as an online group in 2015 to share the beauty and value of poetry more widely and to make poetry accessible and welcoming for everyone.

“This is one of our favorite events to host on the Creative 360 Bayliss stage,” remarked director Laura Vosejpka. “It is more of a sharing event versus a formal poetry reading and it is particularly interesting to hear readers explain what their selection means to them.”

Readers this year include Steve Griffin, Dr. Nikita Murray, Gretchen Shope, Mitzi Clark, Holly Booth, Josh Crummer, Raegan Woodiwiss, Ese Kamatoy, Gina Kearly, Jan Sutherland, Emie Carter, Mary Monroe, Brigit Somerville, Jan Lanter, DeLorean King, Myah Shelton, Judyth Peterson, Jon Donker, Erin Patrice, and Miriam Andrew.

"We are delighted to help sponsor this event once more,” the Levys commented. “The enthusiasm of the volunteer readers is always so uplifting and their diverse selections will certainly inspire listeners."  

Admission to this event is free and light refreshments will be provided. Donations to Creative 360’s programming are always welcome. Let us know you are coming online at becreative360.org/events or by calling the arts center at 989-837-1885.

About Creative 360
Creative 360 is a not-for-profit community arts and wellness organization founded in 1994. Its mission is to create environments that allow people of all ages and abilities to experience the creative process, and to enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellness through the arts and humanities. The organization’s core values of inclusiveness, creativity, respect and community drive the culture at Creative 360. Activities at Creative 360 are supported in part by the Michigan Arts and Cultural Council, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, Midland Area Community Foundation and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. Visit www.becreative360.org for information about the offerings at Creative 360, or call (989) 837-1885 to request a mailed copy of the current schedule.