8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY APRIL 4, 2025 Everyone can be a poet: PoetTreeTown launch draws new crowd to Ypsi art space, Dzanc House LINDSAY CALKA Publisher PoetTree Town A2 isn’t just the collection of iconic teal and white posters hanging up in the windows of downtown businesses. It is a project fostering a diverse, literary community — a community that declares anyone can be a poet, and that poetry is everywhere. For three years PoetTree Town has published Washtenaw County-authored poetry, by printing and hanging poems in the windows of Ann Arbor — and now Ypsilanti — businesses during April. You might remember them from features in Groundcover's first and second annual poetry editions, or from our collaborative open mic last year at Argus Farm Stop. In 2024 PoetTree Town started a weekly poetry series, published online through the Ann Arbor Observer. Yearround they also promote local poetry events, book launches and projects. This year, on the first day of National Poetry Month 2025, PoetTree Town launched their annual poetry-in-public project with an evening celebration and open mic at Dzanc House. Located walking distance from the Ypsilanti Transit Center, downtown and Depot Town, Dzanc House has created a vibrant, inclusive space where writers, editors, artists and community builders come together to ignite creativity, foster collaboration and inspire one another. Their mission is “simple but profound: to nurture creativity at every stage of the artistic journey — whether through publishing opportunities, gallery showcases, or dynamic programs for youth, adults, and cultural creators alike.” The two mission-aligned organizations did exactly that with this event; community members of all ages gathered in the cozy living room of the house to share poetry during an open mic and party. Some shared poems from already published poetry collections, while others read poetry aloud for the first time. The space is operated by Ann Arborbased press Dzanc Books and offers gallery space, a literary/visual/cultural arts residency program, free and ticketed events, along with youth programs and classes. As the winter weather breaks, walk around this month and look for PoetTree Town’s posters or visit this new literary arts space in Ypsilanti. Visit www.dzanchouse.org to learn more. Follow @poettreetowna2 on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date on events year-round. april poetry EVENTS ZELL VISITING WRITERS SERIES: ILYA KAMINSKY UMMA Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State Street Thursday, April 10, 5:30 p.m. (also virtual) Reading and Q&A with University of Michigan's distinguished poet in residence. Join on Zoom at tinyurl.com/ZellWriters24 YPSILANTI DISTRICT LIBRARY 229 W. Michigan Ave Poetry Month Writing Workshops Wednesdays in April, 6:30 p.m. Join in celebrating poetry month with weekly writing sessions to explore the different styles of poetry and writing. • Apr. 16: Black Out and Find poetry • Apr. 23: exploring poetry through creativity with Ypsilanti's 2024 Youth Poet Laureate Ruth Mella • Apr. 30: interconnectedness of language and culture in poetry Mosaic: Poetry in Pieces Sunday, April 26, 11 a.m. (Virtual) Join YpsiWrites to celebrate National Poetry month! This hands-on, virtual workshop will feature several prominent Ypsilanti-area poets leading mini-sessions on their favorite types of poetry. Participants will learn about and try several different styles of poetry. Poetry Month Awards Ceremony and Celebration Saturday, May 3, Awards Ceremony at 4 p.m.; Celebration at 6:30 p.m. Join for a celebration of creativity, expression, and the power of words at our Poetry Month Awards Ceremony! The evening will feature heartfelt poetry readings from finalists, followed by the exciting presentation of awards and prizes for all the outstanding poets. Whether a winner or finalist, each participant will be celebrated for their unique voice and contribution to the world of poetry. DZANC HOUSE 402 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti Read more about Dzanc House above. Book Launch and Reading: “True Believer” by Jeff Kass Friday, April 11, 2025, 7-8:30 p.m. Contact for more info: eyelev21@aol.com Discovering a New Ekphrasis: A Writing Workshop for Teachers Wednesday, April 9, 2025 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Join Pioneer High School teacher Jeff Kass for a workshop on leading writing experiences prompted by art and media. You’ll have a chance to explore your own writing and leave with lessons that you can bring right into your classroom to inspire your students as they explore how the media they interact with every day can prompt and deepen approaches to writing. Free, must register at: www.dzanchouse.org/all-events Contact eyelev21@aol.com for more information. Silent Sustained Reading Saturday April 12, 1-2 p.m. A coveted time to simply focus on reading! Bring your favorite book, snack, or drink, and we will have space to spread out and enjoy reading in the company of others who also love to read. All people and ages are welcome. Happens every second Saturday in 2025. Left: Front window of Dzanc House states, "You're in the right place." Right: Petra Kuppers reads a poem from her most recent poetry book "Diver Beneath the Street."
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