To highlight and celebrate local talents for the written word, the Arts + Culture Alliance will host a Poetry Exhibit opening on Friday.

The exhibit is a community-centered showcase celebrating the voices and creative expression of Marshall County poets — Lynn Sabin, George Trent, Christina Sterzing, Amber Cannon, Danielle Musselman, Les McCargar, Afton Stout, Erica Madison, Miguel Sanchez and Karina Ortiz.

Kelbryn VanGundy, Arts + Culture Alliance (ACA) marketing & program coordinator, said the ACA created the exhibit to provide a platform for local poets to share their voices and connect with the community.

“It features a curated selection of 10 original poems chosen through a jury process, which will be displayed in the Arts + Culture Alliance from April 10 through May 31,” she said.

After the ACA sent out a call for poets, there was a strong response with more than 40 submissions from Marshall County residents.

The jury’s goal was to curate a high-quality collection reflecting a wide range of voices, styles and perspectives. The exhibited poems were selected based on creativity, emotional impact and overall artistic merit.

The poetry exhibit reflects the ACA’s mission to elevate local artists and foster meaningful cultural experiences, VanGundy added.

“By combining a gallery exhibit with a live reading event, our goal is to celebrate the written word in an engaging, accessible way,” she said.

This is not the first ACA poetry showcase. A similar event was held last year, and VanGundy said it was very well received.

“This year’s exhibit builds on that success, continuing the tradition while expanding opportunities for local poets to participate and connect,” she said.

If the community responds to the exhibit, and shows a desire for similar events, VanGundy said they would be open to exploring ideas.

“However, the goal is to let ideas evolve organically and, ideally, grow beyond our walls into something more community-driven,” she said.

Friday’s opening 5 p.m. event will include live readings from Cannon, Madison, McCargar, Dan Sheeler and Kim Hanken. According to VanGundy, the poets were not selected through a formal process. Instead, they volunteered to participate after expressing interest in performing in front of a live audience.

“Several have previously participated in Arts + Culture Alliance events, while others bring fresh perspectives, creating a dynamic and diverse lineup of voices,” she said.

VanGundy extended an invitation to everyone to attend the opening event to experience the power of live poetry, as well as returning to the ACA to peruse the exhibit.

“It’s a unique opportunity to be inspired and to support the vibrant arts scene in Marshall County,” she said. “We hope to see you all there.”

——-

Contact Lana Bradstream

641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.