First observed in 1996, National Poetry Month lasts throughout April. There are several events happening around Indy in honor of poets and their work. Here are some highlights:

  • Join your poetic-minded peers at the West Perry Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library (6650 S. Harding Street) on April 9 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM for a craft-tastic creative poetry workshop. Attendees will combine poetry, collage, and upcycled books to write poems. The workshop is free and open to adults. Collage materials will be provided. Call 317-275-4390 for more information.
  • Indiana Humanities and Indy Reads are hosting an all-ages, family-friendly poetry open mic on April 10 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The free event will take place at Indy Reads (1066 Virginia Avenue). The event will be emceed by Lydia Johnson, Indy Reads’ Vice President of Operations. All forms of poetry are welcome. Questions? Reach out to the bookstore at 317-384-1496.
  • On April 17, National Poetry Series Winner Michael Torres will share his work as a guest of Butler’s Visiting Writers Series. The performance will begin at 7:30 PM in the Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall (located inside Robertson Hall at 4600 Sunset Avenue). Torres received an MFA in creative writing from Minnesota State University in 2016 and won a fellowship in 2019 from the National Endowment for the Arts. His first book of poetry, An Incomplete List of Names, was selected as one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020. Call 317-940-6444 for more information.
  • The Poetry Society of Indiana presents Poetry Night at the Marilyn Rose Center (205 E. Palmer Street) on April 19 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The all-ages, free event will showcase live poetry readings, music, visual art, and the chance to connect with creative folks from the community. Attendees can even use the creation stations (complete with art supplies!) to make art if they are so moved. Come experience the intersection of multiple artistic forms. More information is available at poetrysocietyofindiana.org or by calling 317-566-4456.
  • The Poets Laureate of Lawrence will feature poet, art therapist, and mental health counselor Liza Hyatt on April 20 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Fort Ben Branch Public Library (9330 E. 56th Street). Hyatt will read from her work, including her fourth book of poetry, Wayfaring, from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM. Following a short break, the community will be welcome to share their work. Attendees will have a chance to win a free copy of the poetry anthology, Laureate. Contact Arts for Lawrence at 317-875-1900 for more information.
  • The Irving Theater (5505 East Washington Street) will host a poetry open mic on April 25 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The free event will feature local and regional artists. Poetry enthusiasts are invited to share their work or hold space in the audience. The event will be held on the deck (weather permitting). Performances are broadcast live on The Irving’s Facebook page. Visit http://www.attheirving.com or call 317-356-3355 for additional details.

Before we go, here are just a few poets’ birthdays by the week in April:

Dr. Maya Angelou, April 4

Seamus Heaney, April 13

Etheridge Knight, April 19

Ted Kooser, April 25

Yusef Komunyakaa, April 29

 

Happy NaPoMo!