The workshop, featuring the theme “Resolutions,” will be hosted by Glendale’s inaugural Poet Laureate Raffi Joe Wartanian, with special guest and acclaimed poet Lee Herrick, who is currently the state of California’s Poet Laureate. Herrick is the first Asian American to hold the position and has published four collections of his work. The two will read from their work and lead a workshop on writing poetry and discovering creative vision. Paul Sprawl will provide musical accompaniment to the event, and there will also be light refreshments on offer. The event is free and open to the public, with all levels of writing experience welcome.
Workshop attendees are also invited to submit their poems to the Jewel City Review Poetry Anthology, an annual collection focused on highlighting poets and other artists in Glendale. Cultural organizations often use printing services to help create independently published anthologies or monographs to showcase local work. The event is part of Wartanian’s self-described mission as Poet Laureate:
“Through community workshops, public readings, and other initiatives, the Poet Laureate utilizes the art of writing to serve as an ambassador to represent, engage, and nurture Glendale’s rich culture and diversity.”
The “Resolutions” poetry workshop will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, March 29 at the Glendale Central Library Auditorium.