Donovan Day has witnessed the power of poetry.
Indeed, at a recent poetry slam in Madison, Wis., “there were a couple of poets that brought me to tears,” said Day, community development director for the Village of Fox Lake.
Day also writes poetry, and through the village, he’s working with Studio 25 Art Creations in Fox Lake to present monthly poetry slams. The first one will be held April 20 during National Poetry Month at the studio on Nippersink Boulevard.
“It’s all part of the process of building our creative economy. We’re looking at different outlets for artists to express themselves,” Day said.
The poetry slam fits with the village’s mission to bring more art – spoken and visual – to the region, he said.
At the event, “anyone ages 14 and over can express themselves using the power of the voice.” The poetry doesn’t have to rhyme, in fact, typically most modern poetry is written in a free form style.
Registration for poets who want to read their works will be taken until April 17 at the studio. Since subject matter could be of an adult nature, the event is for teenagers and older.
“I’ve been to a couple of poetry slams in Madison. We don’t have anything like that around here,” Day said.
He recalled listening to a poem by an African-American woman about the challenges she faces.
“Poets can bring you to tears, bring you to laughter, help you think of things in a different way. You definitely get goose bumps listening to poetry,” he said.
Day writes poetry to his wife and children. Writing poetry also is “a healthy venue to escape.”
Amanda Munsen, owner of Studio 25, said she wanted to start an open mic event at her studio and was happy when the village asked if she would host a poetry slam
“It’s an open forum where you can just say anything, which is a nice thing to have,” she said. “It’s another way to express yourself, just like any kind of art is.”
Several residents have already registered to share their poetry at the event, said Munsen, who grew up in Fox Lake and attended Grant Community High School. She opened her art studio in Fox Lake to get involved with the community, she said.
“Fox Lake needs something to help people show their creativity,” she said.
“I’m hoping to help promote those kids and the teachers and anybody else creative in the community who don’t have the outlet.”
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Poetry Slam
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Where: Studio 25 Art Creations, 5 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake
When: 6 p.m. April 20
Tickets: $3 for students; $5 for adults
Information: 224-225-1563; www.studio25artcreations.com/poetry-slam/