Jefferson Carter and Meg Files:

These two beloved local poets will lead a group session combining techniques and exercises for writing from one’s life and heightening the music of the resulting poem.

“Where we go, where we yearn to be, where we can no longer go: our memories and our ideas of home are rich material for poetry. In this two-part workshop, first explore your past, present, and future homes to discover subject matter, connections, and meanings. Then, using exercises to generate music and surprise, shape and craft your explorations into a poem.”

Andre Gavino:

Performance Poetry in Tucson 2000-2006:

For many years Tucson poetry has had a thriving underground pulse. The talent is immense and the variety in style is a testament to the energy at the foot of the Black Mountain. For the past five years The Funktional Adix has documented this talent on the half hour Cable Access show, “The FunKtional Adix Showcase.”

In this 90-minute workshop, we will examine the work of some of the poets who contributed to this movement in Tucson and discuss the techniques used to establish a direct relationship with an audience. It is this relationship between poet and listener that makes Performance Poetry unique.

Christopher Lane:

“Take a poem home” workshop is designed to teach anyone involved they can access the tools to write not only a good poem, but creatively as well. I start off with a metaphor exercise; then we move into alliteration and onomatopoeia. Finally, a “blueprint” of a three-stanza poem will be given. Ample amounts of time to brainstorm, write and share will be given.

Demetria Martinez: Details provided at the Festival.

Simon Ortiz:

“Home” a poem

Workshop attendees will (before the session) write a poem with “home” as focus, theme, and topic. Poem must be first person, personally engaging, and must be as much about the author of the poem as it is about the idea of home. Poems written by the author will be read aloud by the author and feedback by others will be encouraged. Poem is to be one page in length, no more than 25 lines.

Barrie Ryan:

Poetry and the Bioregion

First, I will use a handout of W.S. Merwin’s poem, “Native Trees,” for discussion. [W.S. Merwin, The Rain in the Trees]

Then I will ask them to write on the following:

In an effort to remember or discover intimacy with a bioregion (the Sonoran Desert Bioregion or any other you’ve been a part of), write a poem about an experience with a tree or trees. The tree can be the focus or just part of the experience, or even the background of another incident or awareness.

Finally, if there is time, we can share whatever we have begun in this time.

Richard Shelton: Details provided at the festival.