Find nature inspo with Pitney Meadows, Poet Laureate
Five more (free!) chances to find inspiration at Pitney Meadows with Saratoga’s revered Joseph Bruchac.
This Friday, budding poets 12 years and up are invited to join Saratoga’s Poet Laureate, Joseph Bruchac, for an all-levels “Connection in Community” workshop at the stunning Pitney Meadows.
“The environment of the farm is a web of interaction and connection — broad lettuce leaves shading out weeds and sheltering bugs, those bugs eating and pollinating, being eaten,” Bruchac tells the Dispatch. “In this workshop, we will look closely at the interactions and communities created in nature, and through an artistic eye translate them into poetry, reflective of how we interact with the world around us.”
The workshop is the second in the “Writing the Land” series, held at 5 p.m. every other Friday through October 3. The curriculum is built to be enjoyed as one complete series, but multiple days are not required.
“I can't think of a better place than Pitney Meadows to feel close to the land and be inspired to write,” says Bruchac, a renowned Abenaki poet, storyteller and musician. “There is always so much to see, to hear, to experience in the most positive ways with all your senses.”
Bruchac finishes his term at the end of the year, so this is one of the last chances to work with him as our Poet Laureate. The workshops — which are in collaboration with the Ndakinna Education Center — are free (a donation is suggested), but sign-up is required and space limited.
What makes Pitney Meadows such an inspiring place for these workshops?
“The overall atmosphere is so welcoming and so real, bringing us back to the real basics of life and allowing us to step away for a while from the hurry and the worries that can overwhelm us.”
Who should come?
“Anyone with a love for language and an interest in self-expression will be welcomed. I've had elders and junior high school students (with one of their parents) take part. I've had people who are writing their first poems and others who are deeply experienced, well-published poets. But when in the workshop, we are all part of a circle, sitting at the same height around the table and beginning each exercise with a blank page.”
Tell us about your teaching style.
“The approach I take as a workshop leader is the opposite of being critical. I want to encourage, not discourage, sometimes point out ways to improve and always celebrate artistic success. I want people to enjoy the experience. No one should feel intimidated when they are part of the circle. Expect kindness and respect. And also sharing some laughter.”
Future workshops:
August 22nd – Song Poetry Writing
September 5th – Food for Thought
September 19th – Migrations and Movement
October 3rd – Harvest Moon Reflections
Visit pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org to reserve your spot.
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