2-5 pm: Poetry workshop with Jeannine Pitas. Registration via Eventbrite required.

5-6:30 pm: Dinner and social for workshop participants

6:30-8:30 pm: Reading and open mic. Not limited to workshop participants! All are invited to read their work.

"I believe that the world is beautiful and that poetry, like bread, is for everyone," said celebrated Salvadoran poet Roque Dalton. In this generative writing workshop, we will read poems by writers from around the world who have lived through times of struggle, using their words to speak truth to power and embrace the world with hope rather than despair. After reading and discussing these poems of witness and resistance, participants will be given prompts to generate their own writing in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. The goal is for all participants to leave the workshop with four drafts of poems. Open and inclusive to all, this workshop is meant for both absolute beginners and seasoned bards.

The daytime workshop will be followed by an evening reading. Jeannine Pitas will read from her new poetry collection, Or/And (Paraclete Press 2023) and we will also have an open mic for anyone - daytime workshop participants and anyone else interested - to share their work.

Jeannine M. Pitas is a writer, teacher and Spanish-English translator originally from Buffalo, NY, USA. Over the years she has called many places home: Krakow, Poland; Montevideo, Uruguay; Managua, Nicaragua; Toronto, Canada; Dubuque, Iowa; and most recently Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She teaches at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. Her second collection of poetry, Or/And, was recently published by Paraclete Press. She believes that, when combined with action, poetry can change the world.

The Fireplace Community is an intentional community of artists, activists, and spiritual seekers. We welcome a suggested donation of $25 to support free programming like this event. https://www.thefireplacecommunity.org/donate