Explore the Poetry of Place! Poetry Reading and Workshop at Cloquet Public Library

Poets Sheila Packa and Michelle Matthees will lead these programs on Wednesday, April 4, starting with a poetry reading at noon that will feature the poets’ work as related to place. Sheila Packa grew up south of Biwabik and has a deep understanding of how place helps define identity and can be celebrated in poetry. Michelle Matthees shares how place informs her poetry, especially as it relates to travel—including her recent trips to Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Local poets are encouraged to share their poetry as well.
Following the reading,at 1 p.m., participants can take part in a writing workshop that explores and celebrates the role of place in our lives. Using guided writing exercises, participants will explore themes like memory, tradition, pride and even alienation. This workshop is designed for everyone, from beginning to more experienced writers. Pre-registration is required for the workshop. To register, please contact the Cloquet Public Library at 879-1531 or email markking@arrowhead.lib.mn.us.
Sheila Packa is the author of “Echo & Lightning” and “Cloud Birds,” editor of “Migrations: Poetry & Prose for Life's Transitions,” and serves as Duluth’s Poet Laureate. Michelle Matthees is a current Minnesota State Arts Board Fellow and the author of “Served,” “Outside,” and “Junket.”