Join Jan Freeman for the summer MASS MoCA Writing Through Art Poetry Retreat at the MASS MoCA Artist Residency Center in the heart of the Berkshires.
Explore the many ways that painting, sculpture, and photography can open your poems and perception in this expansive and generative 6-day writing retreat. Poets and writers of all levels of experience are welcome. Through daily prompts, exercises, readings, and discussions, you will experience the many ways that art can open memories, emotion, the imagination, and help you explore new ways of expressing yourself. With morning workshops and afternoon sessions writing in the galleries of MASS MoCA and the Clark Art Institute and in your private studio.
A one-hour private consultation about your poetry, writing goals, and/or manuscript is included.. An in-depth manuscript consultation can be scheduled separately.
To apply, please email two paragraphs that describe your poetry background, your interest in attending the retreat, and your writing goals and /or challenges. Send to Jan Freeman. Registration has been extended and is still open. Sign up today!
For additional information, write to Jan Freeman.at janfreemanpoetry@gmail.com.
Anselm Kiefer, The Schechina (Sefiroth).
“Jan Freeman’s Ekphrastic Poetry Residency and Workshop at MassMoCA offered a unique opportunity. We spent our days in our studios and in art galleries, inspired by the art work before us. Jan provided excellent writing prompts that opened me up to my imagination and to new discoveries. For me, the concentrated writing time gave me a chance to go deeper. I learned so much from Jan’s teaching and guidance and from connecting with other poets.”
“The MASS MoCA Ekphrastic Poetry Retreat exceeded my expectations and gave me sustenance, helping me recognize the necessity of poetry in my daily life and how visual art can help generate new inroads to poetic ideas and daring.
My manuscript review with Jan might be my favorite part of a retreat filled with favorite parts. Jan’s comments were encouraging, generous, and aimed at considering my goals and where I am now as a poet. I also was impressed with Jan’s talks about poetry and writing to the group, and the poems she brought for us to read and discuss, consider as models and inspiration.”
Studio space at the museum, accommodations, and cost
Included:
Private writing studio at the museum, with 24/7 access.
Private bedroom (queen-sized bed) with shared bathroom and kitchen in the MASS MoCA 2nd floor, 4-bedroom apartments across the street from the museum.
Free admission to MASS MoCA, the Clark Art Institute, and the Williams College Museum of Art throughout the week. Access to museums will depend on COVID restrictions.
Boxed lunches provided June 9–June 13.
Welcome gathering on June 8.
Free parking.
Extras:
The Berkshires in June s a haven for cultural and outdoor activities. Visit Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow, Shakespeare & Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Barrington Stage. And enjoy the area’s extensive walking trails, gardens, and lakes.
Cost:
$1,500. Limited financial assistance is available. In the event that the pandemic necessitates that the retreat takes place online, tuition will be reduced to $800.
Questions? Contact: Jan Freeman at janfreemanpoetry@gmail.com.
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