ASPS Events
Workshops
May 4, 1 – 3:00 PM, – Tucson Desert Arts Museum Community Room Auditorium, 7000 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715 and Zoom
Writing Toward Forgiveness—Eleanor Kedney
Based on the book Between the Earth and Sky by Eleanor Kedney (C&R Press, 2020), an intimate exploration of addiction and a sister’s journey through grief, understanding, and forgiveness. “Writing Toward Forgiveness” was inspired by that journey and the techniques used in that journey. While the theme of this workshop may elicit deeply personal reflection, it is a craft-focused presentation inviting participants to explore both universal and personal experiences through the art of poetry. The focus is on poetic technique. “Writing Toward Forgiveness” encourages writers to express the cyclical emotions of forgiveness through craft. Writers have the option whether or not to share what they wrote. Participants may share their experience using the craft element instead. In the workshop poets and writers of all levels will find opportunities to develop their voice and get emotion onto the page.
May 11, 1 – 3:00 PM, – Tucson Desert Arts Museum Community Room Auditorium, 7000 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715 and Zoom
An Introduction to Compassionate Listening: Exploring the Other Through Personal Writing & Poetry-Katie Zale
Cultivating compassion for ourselves and others is foundational to the Compassionate Listening Project and to the writing of poetry, as many poets such as Terrance Hayes, Mary Oliver, Tracy K. Smith, and David Whyte would agree. Compassionate listening is a practice that invites us to listen with an “ear of the heart” to those around us, particularly to those we may not agree with. This generative workshop will introduce participants to Compassionate Listening—perhaps even poetry—using personal writing and poetry. Participants will receive a 34-page Handbook in the mail to review prior to the workshop. Also, they will receive a Workbook during the workshop with directions and guidelines for interactive and written exercises. Katie is the program director of the Tucson Reading Series (TAPS), president of the Arizona State Poetry Society, and a certified facilitator of the Compassionate Listening Project (compassionatelistening.org)
June 15, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Zoom call only
Language, Landscape and the Soul of the Sonnet-with Poet Laureate of Western Colorado and U of A alum, Wendy Videlock.
Wendy is a nationally recognized and award-winning poet whose works appear in Poetry, Best American Poetry, Oprah Magazine, Rattle, Hudson Review and other venues. In this workshop, participants will discover a variety of fun techniques to hush their inner critic and rediscover poetry as fundamentally pleasurable. We will approach the sonnet as an open invitation and begin to understand craft as fundamental to our unique expression. Through an understanding of the volta, we will find new ways to talk about poems and to uncover how form sets the imagination free, how language is limber, and how a poetry practice can be a guide to our own self-discovery. After an interactive discussion, everyone will be given an opportunity to write from a few surprising prompts and to share their work with the rest of the class. Wendy will provide individual feedback.
TAPS - Upcoming Readings
(Tucson Arts Poetry Series) TAPS Schedule
The readings take place at the Tucson Desert Art Museum
7000 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715
Saturdays, 3:30-5:30 pm
Contact Katie Zale to schedule a reading or other information: katiesarahTAPS@gmail.com
Branch Updates
Tucson Poetry Society (TPS)
Host and President, Elaine A. Powers
- TucsonPoetrySociety@gmail.com
- Dues: $5/year
- TPS Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonPoetrySociety
The Tucson branch meets on the fourth Saturday of each month beginning at 10:00 am until noon where members have the opportunity to share their work-in-progress poems and receive gentle critiques.
The Branch meetings are held on Zoom and in-person at the:
Woods Memorial Library – 3455 N 1st Avenue, Tucson AZ 85719
Contact the Branch President to receive the Zoom link.
East Valley Poets (EVP)
Host Leader, Jim Platt
- evpoets@yahoo.com
- No dues. Donations cheerfully accepted to help cover expenses.
- Eastvalleypoets.wordpress.com
The East Valley Poets branch meets the third Saturday of the month from 9:30am—noon for a short educational program and shared poetry readings.
Meetings take place on Zoom and in person at the
Tempe Pyle Center – 655 East Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282
Contact the Host to receive the Zoom link.
We encourage you to visit their website or contact the Branch for additional details and to learn more about the EVP Branch. Guests are always welcome!
Scottsdale Mustang Poets (SMP)
Host Leader, Christy White
- mustangpoets@gmail.com
- Dues: Suggested Donation of $5/year
SMP meet the fourth Saturday of the month from 1:00-3:00 pm for poetry discussion, readings, and gentle critiques. Meetings are held on Zoom and in person at the
Scottsdale Mustang Library – 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale AZ 85258
Contact Christy to receive the Zoom link.
Get In Touch
Send us an email with questions or comments.