By Anna Skinner
In an effort to bring the arts to prominence in Westfield, the Downtown Westfield Association’s extension, the Westfield Arts Alliance, will hold a poetry reading Feb. 11 in the upstairs portion of Rail Epicurean Market at 211 Park St.
DWA Executive Director Teresa Otis Skelton said although people who attend are not required to participate, she hopes for plenty of readers. Poetry can be original or read from others’ works.
Skelton referred to the DWA as an umbrella to the Grand Junction Task Group and the Westfield Arts Alliance. The poetry readings are one of many events to try and unite artists around Westfield and promote talent.
“We want to bring more arts to downtown, and I think you can do that in a small or large way. We want to have some public and private art displays,” Skelton said. “That’s where this whole poetry reading evolved. This is being geared towards adults, and we want people to be respectful, but I want them to express themselves. I want them to feel comfortable bringing a handheld instruments or using minimal props if they need to.”
The event will begin at 7 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. The DWA will provide coffee, tea and appetizers, and a cash bar is available.
Skelton said there is currently no cost to attend and read, but there may be a small cost in the future.
“Hopefully this will catch on, and it may become some sort of a club or something that evolves for this that meets on a regular basis wherever that may be,” she said.
The event will hold a coffeehouse feel, and Skelton said it’s casual. Only 25 seats are available, and reservation is required by Jan. 31 by contacting Skelton at [email protected] or calling 508-3392.
Ages 21 and older are invited to reserve a spot, and Skelton said although there is no restriction on what is written, she expects the writers and readers to use their best judgement on what is appropriate.
Local poets will present and also have their works for sale.
For more, visit dwna.org.
