Visions and Verses: Celebrating National Poetry Month at Chautauqua
![[i carry your heart with me (i carry it in] by e. e. cummings from Complete Poems: 1904–1962 (Liveright Publishing Corporation, 1991) Copyright 1952, © 1980, 1991 by the Trustees for the E. E. Cummings Trust.](https://www.chq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240212_192237_edit_poetry-blog.jpg)
April blooms with words and rhythm as we celebrate National Poetry Month! Every line and stanza invites you into a universe woven with emotions, colors, and imaginations running wild. We’re celebrating Poetry Month at Chautauqua by highlighting former Interfaith Lecturer, poet Jillian Hanesworth, and Chautauqua Literary Arts’ beloved Poetry Makerspace. Read on as we celebrate, explore and share the power of poetry that connects us all, one verse at a time.
CHQ Assembly Speaker Spotlight
Jillian Hanesworth
Jillian Hanesworth is an EMMY award-nominated spoken word artist, and the first Poet Laureate Emeritus of Buffalo, New York. A community organizer and activist, Jillian travels the country performing poetry and speaking on various topics including; art for activism, the impacts of storytelling, and the importance of honest and critical social and political conversations.
Last summer she joined Chautauqua in Week Six of our 2023 season, discussing her work unifying and healing through the power of word — telling her story and reminding others of the power in telling their story.
Chautauqua is thrilled to welcome Jillian back on April 24, as part of the Department of Religion’s weekly Book Talk Series. She joins us for a presentation, interactive Q-and-A, and follow up discussion about her latest book, The Revolution Will Rhyme.
Poetry Makerspace
Throughout the summer, novice and experienced poets are invited to share their voices at Makerspace! Created in partnership with the Wick Poetry Center’s Traveling Stanzas at Kent State University, the Makerspace has been a unique part of Chautauqua Literary Arts since 2018.
From digital poems to more tactile methods of creating and exploring poetry, guests of all ages can enjoy the Makerspace. Contribute a stanza to our digitized community Thread Poem or create your own erasure poem using our blackout poetry app Emerge. And, for more of a hands-on learning experience, visitors can explore our word wall, creating their masterpieces with wooden word blocks.
As we celebrate Poetry Month, we remind ourselves of the power of words to heal, unite and uplift. This month, we carry forward the inspiration and appreciation of poetry in all its forms.