Tuesdays: March 11, 18, 25; 7–9pm CT
What is visual poetry (VISPO)? Visual poetry incorporates multiple forms of experimental poetry and literature.
It has been described as the natural fusion of poetry and visual art with a history in concrete poetry. This makes it an ideal genre for the hybrid nature of the artist’s book, which happily accommodates the convergence of visual and literary impulses. Of the multiple ways artists use language or write text for artists’ books, the poetic approach is among the most evocative.
This is an intermediate level virtual workshop for artists and writers interested in taking a deep dive into more experimental poetic uses of text in artists’ books. We’ll look at examples of VISPO approaches such as lettering, handwriting, text objects, typography, and collage. Through prompts, exercises, and homework assignments, participants will explore and experiment with creating visual poetry and make a soft-cover sampler book as a guide for future book projects.
Level: Intermediate. Experience required. Basic creative writing experience and bookbinding skills (including experience making folded and stitched structures) are required.
Certificate: 6 hours, Category B or C; fulfills Core design/content requirement
Pricing
$180/participant (10% discount for MCBA members)
$90 for BIPOC/Financial scholarship (10% discount for MCBA members)
MCBA offers two scholarship types for workshops—Financial Hardship Scholarships and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Scholarships—to honor equity and increase access and artistic opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in the book arts. For individuals to whom these scholarships do not apply, register at the Adult rate and, if you are able, consider making a donation when registering to support MCBA’s efforts to make scholarships available.
What you'll need to participate
Tech requirements: For this participatory virtual workshop we recommend joining on a laptop or desktop computer with a camera and microphone, if possible. You will receive step-by-step instructions for downloading Zoom (it’s free!) and accessing the workshop online approximately 2 days before the workshop’s start date.
Materials: You are responsible for sourcing your own materials from the materials list. You are welcome to reach out to teaching artists with questions about materials in advance of the workshop (contact information is listed on the materials list).
