MASS MoCA Writing Through Art Poetry Retreat: October 12–15, 2023, in the heart of the Berkshires.
This generative poetry retreat is for new and published poets. Immersive exercises, prompts, and writing in museum galleries of MASS MoCA and the Clark Art Institute will open your imagination, inviting an experiential exploration of paintings, sculpture, and installations, while offering you paths into the depths of memory, emotion, and fresh creative expression. The retreat is limited to 10 poets. Sign up today!
Poets at the June Writing Through Art Poetry Retreat, writing drafts in response to Anselm Kiefer’s “Schechina.”
Together we will explore the many ways that painting, sculpture, installations, and photography can open your perceptions and your poems in this expansive 4-day writing retreat.
Through daily prompts, exercises, readings, and discussions, you will explore new ways of expressing yourself. Morning workshops will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the galleries of MASS MoCA and the Clark Art Institute. Afternoons are yours to write in the museum visited in the morning, explore the Berkshires and regional Autumn Festivals, and walk along the beautiful trails at the Clark.
Reservations will be been made for participants to visit Laurie Anderson’s virtual reality installations “To the Moon and Back,” and “Chalkroom,” James Turrell’s “Perfectly Clear,” and “Hind Sight.”
A one-hour private consultation about your poetry, writing goals, and/or manuscript is included.. These will take place in the afternoons. Additional in-depth manuscript consultations and coaching can be scheduled separately.
Writing in the Prow at MASS MoCA.
I loved being immersed in the art and having this be an in-person experience. Access to MASS MoCA and the Clark was wonderful. The writing prompts and exercises helped to reinforce the associative connections between art and writing, and I appreciated hearing the first drafts of other poets. Often we only get a day at a museum. The retreat afforded us all the wonderful opportunity to come back to the exhibits, and spend much more time in the galleries.— R. Rossi, Vermont
The MASS MoCA Writing Through Art 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 private poetry 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.—Genevieve Carminati, Maryland
To apply, please email three poems along with two paragraphs that describe your poetry background, your interest in attending the retreat, and your writing goals and/or challenges. Send to Jan Freeman at janfreemanpoetry@gmail.com. This retreat is limited to 10 poets. Sign up soon!
Cost:
$650. Financial assistance available until distributed.
Proof of vaccination is required.
Admission to MASS MoCA, the Clark Art Institute, and the Williams College Museum of Art is included for the days we visit each museum.
Poets are responsible for room and board. A variety of hotels can be found at https://berkshires.org/business-directory/hotels. A group rate will be available until August 15 at Hotel Downstreet, catty corner to the MASS MoCA campus in North Adams. Contact Kelsey Gardner at (413) 663-6500, https://www.hoteldownstreet.com.
Questions? Contact: Jan Freeman at janfreemanpoetry@gmail.com.
Sign up with your poetry friends for a rich and memorable experience.
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Poets responding to Paul Gaugin’s “Double Portrait” at the Clark Art Institute.