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A Weekend of Voices, Words, and Wonderful Literary Connections at ArtsXchange!
What a literary weekend we had at ArtsXchange! From powerful poetry and unforgettable performances to the creative exploration of language, our Literary Programs were filled with voices, stories, and community.
All Voices Poetry Slam: Honoring Voices, Remembering, and Speaking Out
On Friday, September 11th, ArtsXchange hosted the All Voices Poetry Slam, an event created in recognition of the many voices affected by that unforgettable day.
I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing, and I don't think I'll ever forget. In the days that followed, I remember hearing discussions about burning holy books and thinking, Do we truly understand how many different faiths, communities, and voices were devastated that day?
The All Voices Poetry Slam is an homage to those whose voices have been silenced but are not forgotten. It is also a celebration of the poets who continue to explore their relationship with words, the world, and one another. Through poetry, we remember, question, reflect, and create space for voices to be heard.
And what a night it was!
This year, the line started forming before the event even began. While our event description clearly states that purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a spot in the competition, some attendees were only interested in participating as competing poets. Unfortunately, they missed one hell of a show! The beauty of a poetry slam isn't just in competing; it's also in witnessing the power, vulnerability, creativity, and courage of every poet who steps to the microphone.
After twelve competing poets and two sacrificial poets took the stage, Nathan Wallace claimed the top prize, with Sharon Agbebaku taking second place and Chevon G earning third place. Congratulations to all the poets who shared their words and energy with us!
We were thrilled to welcome so many new voices, including:
Sharon Agbebaku
Ahmani Payne
Chi Hughes
Barbara Jones
Kshana Bhakita
And we loved seeing our returning slammers:
Solie Cherie
Sean P
Kathy Johnson
She Pharaoh
Ashlee Haze
Our Saturday Writers Workshop regulars, Victoria Johnson and Lauren Hosley, also stepped into the role of sacrificial poets and served as judges for the evening. Thank you for helping make the slam happen!
Every poet, judge, volunteer (thanks Sylvia), and audience member contributes to the energy of these events. That's what makes the ArtsXchange literary community so special.
Saturday Writers Workshop: Three E's and a Nearly Full House!
Saturday Writers Workshop is growing, y'all! The house was almost full, and you know I'm already thinking about how to rework one of my favorite lines in cinema:
"ArtsXchange, we need a bigger room!"
(For those who know the movie reference, you know what I'm talking about! 😂)
On September 12th, we took a deep dive into three fascinating ways language can shape meaning, sound, and perception: Euphemism, Euphony, and Euphuism.
Here's what we explored:
Euphemism: Saying something difficult, unpleasant, or uncomfortable in a softer or less direct way.
Euphony: Using pleasant, harmonious, or musical sounds to create a particular feeling.
Euphuism: An ornate, elaborate style of writing characterized by elaborate comparisons, balanced phrases, wordplay, and rhetorical flourish.
We explored what happens when beautiful language says something ugly, soft language hides something painful, or elaborate language makes a simple truth almost impossible to ignore.
That's the magic of creative writing: words can comfort, challenge, disguise, reveal, and transform. And our writers leaned into the possibilities!
I'm also fine-tuning the 4th Saturday Writers Workshop. I don't have every detail figured out just yet, but I have some exciting ideas, and I know it's going to be fabulous! Sometimes the best creative experiences begin with a little experimentation.
Come Find Your Voice at ArtsXchange!
There's always something interesting happening in the Charles Riley Memorial Library at ArtsXchange's Literary Programs. Whether you're a seasoned writer, a curious beginner, a poet, a storyteller, or simply someone who loves words, there's room for you here.
Our workshops and events are about more than writing. They're about connection, exploration, community, and making space for the many ways we tell our stories.
Thank you for continuing to show up, share your voices, and grow with us.
See you next Saturday!
