Wethersfield Hosts Poetry and Art Slam

​By: Chianna Calafiore

  On February 24 an empowering Poetry and Art Slam took place at the Wethersfield Academy of the Arts. Writers, artists, and photographers showed their pieces to fellow Lit Mag members, relatives, and public guests. The Slam was the perfect opportunity for members to express their feelings and emotions as well as showcase their art through sketches and verses.

  Members stood up at a podium in front of the audience to share their artwork, photography and writing by talking about their visions and inspirations.

  Abigail Slemmer, a freshmen, felt that it was a great experience and liked the opportunity to practice her speech skills. “The Poetry Slam was exciting, everyone there was friendly and it felt comfortable to stand up in front of others, similar to the way I feel at my house,” Abigail said. “I really wasn’t nervous because I knew that I wouldn’t be judged harshly by my fellow members.”

  The slam was a comforting, friendly and judgement-free environment. There was definitely no lack of confidence that night.

  Ruth George, a librarian at the high school, helped organize this event to showcase all of the time and effort that these writers and artists put into their work. “Poetry and art, like music, brings people together. It is an outlet for expression of deep feelings and emotions that might otherwise remain hidden and undiscovered.”

  George believes the main reason for the Slam is for the students to explain their own work. George said, “They know it best! When the written word is read by the creator, it’s read with the emotion and intonation that the writer intended… as a result, the listener is sure to have a better or clearer understanding of the work.”

  All of the participants wished that there was more than just one Poetry and Art Slam per year. They would all do it again in heartbeat.