Literary Arts
"Poems are transmissions from the depths of whoever wrote them to the depths of the reader. To a greater extent than with any other kind of reading, the reader of a poem is making that poem, is inhabiting those words in the most personal sort of way. That doesn’t mean that you read a poem and make it whatever you want it to be, but that it’s operating so deeply in you, that it is the most special kind of reading."
-- Kay Ryan, Poet Laureate of the United States
Poetry, the most ancient of the literary arts, is thriving in the Yakima Valley! From our own Poetry Open Mic Nights to YVCC’s Black Box Poetry Slam to coffeehouse readings, from dozens of writers’ groups to numerous small presses, all around our region you’ll find devoted patrons of poems.
Allied Arts has a rich cultural tradition promoting poetry, dating from our first juried poetry competition in 1994, which is annually capped with a festive spring-time Coffeehouse Night to showcase the winners. We also offer classes in many aspects of writing, all geared to energize beginners as well as experienced wordsmiths.
There are so many ways for you to be part of this literary largesse! Click the boxes to the right to learn more about the programs that compose our poetry endeavors. And below, explore some resources to prime your poetic spirit!
Favorite Poem Project: Americans Saying Poems They Love
Americans of all ages and all walks of life sharing a poem (you can read along) and how it relates to their lives.
http://www.favoritepoem.org/
Poetry 180
A collection of poems selected by former poet laureate Billy Collins intended to interest high school students in poetry but a good resource for anyone looking for an engaging anthology.
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/
Poetry Matters Now
Hear poets reading (and sometimes singing) their work.
http://poetrymattersnow.org/
Poetry at the Library of Congress
Poet Laureate info, award winning poets, all kinds of literary resources.
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/
Upcoming Events
Poetry Open Mic
September 08, 2010
Poetry Open Mic
October 13, 2010
Poetry Open Mic
November 10, 2010
Poetry Open Mic
December 08, 2010
| Downloads |
| Poetry Contest Entry Form |
First Place Second Place Third Place Tom Pier Prize Humor Honorable Mentions This year's poetry book features cover artwork by local artist Sandra Westford. A few 2010 chapbooks are remaining, and can be purchased for $5 each in the Allied Arts Office. For more information on this event, or to purchase previous years’ Juried Poetry Chapbooks ($2.50 each), call 509-966-0930.Congratulations 2010 Juried Poetry Winners!
Carrie Vestal Gilman
Keely Murphy
Dotty Armstrong
Sara Gettys
Rose Romfo
Carlos Mendez
Herb Blisard
Irene D. Hays
Jo Shafer
Dan Peters
WD Frank
Peggy Ludwick
Mark J. Fuzie
Open Mic Nights
The sixth season of Poetry Open Mic Nights opens in the Peggy Lewis Gallery on September 8, 2010. Everyone is welcome to come read his or her own work, listen as local poets wow the crowd, and enjoy cookies and coffee. Not only will you enjoy a lot of poetry and a little nosh, the evening is free!
Poetry Open Mic Nights offer a different host each month as well as a featured poet who opens the evening. Readers come from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels, from beginners to seasoned writers, and ranging in age from teens to seniors. Audience members likewise represent the breadth of our community.
Each Open MIc begins at 7:00 pm on the second Wednesday of the month (September through March). The Open Mic line-up is on a first come, first read basis. Readers are encouraged to sign-up beforehand at the Allied Arts office (you can call us to put your name on the list).
If you have questions, would like to sign up to read, or would like to volunteer to host an Open Mic night, please call Allied Arts at 509-966-0930.
Open Mic Nights 2010:
- September 8 - Dustin Becker
- October 13 - Linda Brown
- November 10 - Wendy Warren
- December 8 - Dan Peters
Open Mic Nights 2011: TBA
Note: These Open Mic Nights will lead up to the 17th Annual Juried Poetry Contest & Reading. Winners receive prizes for their poetry and their poems are included in a professionally produced chapbook. Deadline for entries will be in February 2011 and the Coffeehouse Reading will be in April. More information on the contest particulars will be posted late this year.
Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest 2009
Regional Winners
The three finalists from the Yakima area are BreAnna Jones, an 11th grader from West Valley High School and 2008’s Poetry Out Loud state winner, Sara Pittman, an 12th grader from A.C. Davis High School, also a 2008 Poetry Out Loud state finalist, and Antassia Hammond, a 12th grader from Sunnyside High School. The young women will recite poetry from notable poets such as Rudyard Kipling, Phillip Levine, and Lewis Carroll, among others. Through three rounds of poetry recitations, high school students representing schools from Pierce, Spokane, Thurston, and Yakima counties will be competing for one slot at the National Finals, including an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C.
The students were inspiring and entertaining at the local competition, held at the Allied Arts Center—they enchanted an audience of 115 family members, friends & poetry fans. Linda Brown, Yakima region Poetry Out Loud coordinator, acted as MC, and our judges Melissa VanTroba, Ed Stover, Cindy Lamb and LeAnne Ries scored the students in seven categories: accuracy, physical presence, voice and articulation, appropriateness of dramatization, level of difficulty, evidence of understanding, and overall performance.
“It is a rare and beautiful thing to spend an afternoon hearing these enduring poems recited with such verve. Allied Arts is so proud to be able to support all the students who competed, and I know that BreAnna, Sara and Antassia will represent Yakima with their best performances yet,” said Jessica Moskwa, executive director of Allied Arts.
The Poetry Out Loud State Finals are FREE and open to the public, they are produced by the Washington State Arts Commission and the University of Puget Sound www.ups.edu. For further information on Poetry Out Loud, visit www.poetryoutloud.org.
User-Submitted Poems
Persistence of Hope - June 28, 2010
memorial 1408 - April 27, 2010
uncharted journey - March 15, 2010
Love with Ann - March 15, 2010
Road Trip - January 06, 2010
Untitled - January 06, 2010
Neon Graffitti - January 06, 2010
Islomania - January 06, 2010
plum island - September 28, 2009
Forever Strong - September 08, 2009
Starlings - July 17, 2009
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Allied Arts of Yakima Valley
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Address 5000 W. Lincoln Ave Yakima, WA 98908 |
Phone/Fax P: 509-966-0930 F: 509-966-0934 |
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© 2010 Allied Arts of Yakima Valley. Photo Credit: "Labyrinth Walking" by Allied Arts Staff. Increase your visibility with Invisible Ink |
