[Archived] April is National Poetry Month

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2018

The Academy of American Poets designated April as National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its ability to enrich everyday life. To learn more about National Poetry Month and the activities celebrated throughout the country, visit www.Poets.org. Join Wendi R. Kaplan, City of Alexandria Poet Laureate, by participating in National Poetry Month activities throughout the month of April. Schools, local businesses, libraries, and recreation centers will promote poetry writing and reading and encourage broad participation in the month-long celebration. 

DASHing Words in Motion Poets Named

The City of Alexandria Office of the Arts and the Alexandria Transit Company joined forces to host a poetry contest “DASHing Words in Motion.”   The poetry contest encouraged quality writing by writers and poets 16 years or older, who lived, worked or studied in the City of Alexandria. In addition to Wendi R. Kaplan, Poet Laureate, City of Alexandria, six poets were selected from forty submissions to have their poems published inside the DASH buses and Trolleys in April and May.  The winners selected include:

• Renee Adams 
• Jillinda Jill Glenn 
• Robin Holzhauer 
• Hunter Hyland,
• Linda Thorla 
• Michelle Wells       

FREE Literary events April, May & June

• “Poetry Month Reading”
  Friday, April 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Durant Arts Center,1605 Cameron St.
  In celebration of National Poetry Month, Wendi R. Kaplan, Poet Laureate, City of Alexandria invites you to read poetry. “DASHing Words in Motion” Poets will also read their winning poetry that will be on the DASH buses and Trolleys in April and May,2018.  Light refreshments. Formal program begins at 7 p.m.

• “Poem in Your Pocket”
  Tuesday, April 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St.
  The City of Alexandria will celebrate an early national   Poem in Your Pocket day.  Light refreshments.  Formal program begins at 7 p.m. This event is hosted by Wendi R. Kaplan, Poet Laureate, Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association and the Office of the Arts. 

• “Poetry and Tea, Honoring Our Mothers through Poetry”
  Saturday, May 12 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Durant Arts Center,1605 Cameron St.
  Enjoy some tea and read a poem that honors your mother or other nurturer in your life! Remember to bring your mother with you to this one of a kind event!  Formal program begins at 3 p.m.

• “Celebrating Pride and Diversity”
  Friday, June 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St.
  You are invited to a poetry reading celebrating the LGBT community and the diversity within our community.  Light refreshments. Formal program begins at 7 p.m.

For additional about the Poet Laureate and other literary programs, visit the Office of the Arts’ website at www.alexandriava.gov/Arts, email the Poet Laureate at poet@alexandriava.gov, or contact Cheryl Anne Colton at cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, email cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov, or call 703.746.5565 (Virginia Relay 711).