Adult Classes

Porch at The Poetry Studio for Adult Workshops, summer and fall

Held Tuesday & Thursday evenings. Late afternoon or weekend classes can be arranged as well. Zoom classes are being held during the pandemic.

Spring, Summer, Fall Classes take place outside in the gardens & on The Poetry Porch.

If interested, contact Ann Gengarelly at 802-257-8972 or gengarellya@gmail.com

The act of composing a poem is the act of composing the self  ~James Merrill

Songs are thoughts, sung out with the breath when people are moved by great forces and ordinary speech no longer suffices.  ~Orpingalik, Inuit Poet

Classes are based on the belief that everyone has poetry inside them if they slow down and take time to listen to the voice within. Because poetry and stories are the places where all the fundamental questions are asked about the human condition, participants have the rare opportunity to stretch their compassion and, as they listen to one another, to experience their common humanity.

At The Poetry Studio, a ritual space is created where participants are encouraged to turn inward and discover what is begging for a voice. Together we create a “safe” environment that invites a …”voiced community where,” as Terry Tempest Williams writes, “we all flourish.”

In David Whyte’s words: (Poetry) has changed me in the sense that it’s kept me friends with myself. Human beings are constantly exiling themselves from themselves. Poetry is like a conversational friendship with your own deepest essence as well as a conversational friendship with the world around you at the same time.

Class Rhythm—Winter/Spring classes:

Initial gathering takes place in the studio where Ann presents a possible theme and a reading of poems (also fiction and memoir) that resonate with the offering. Participants in no way need to adhere to the theme in their writing; rather, the theme and reading are intended to stir the creative juices. Everyone is encouraged to dive deep within to discover the material that knocks on their hearts, begging for a voice.

The class is given a hand-out that “speaks to” the theme with inspirational quotes that invite further contemplation. The practice of reverence weaves in and out of every aspect of our time together.

After the first circle, everyone disperses and finds a quiet spot to write: some participants stay in The Poetry Studio: sitting at tables; on the sofa or the big floor pillows.

Others discover meditative places in our home: a chair by the wood burning stove; a love seat surrounded by plants; the living room couch; the upstairs plant room. During the warm months sit spots in the gardens entice writers with pale blue clematis climbing a trellis, dahlias all shades of color, hibiscus with blossoms as large as dinner plates– inspiring views everywhere for a writer.

People have a good hour to write.

For our last circle, everyone gathers in the living room, or on the porch for a rich and layered sharing time. Participants receive supportive feedback; only positive comments are offered, As the teacher, Ann has said, I am always in awe of the depth of people’s writing; the rich quality of imagery; the generosity of deep listening. In an interview, renowned poet, Mary Oliver spoke about how poetry is old…sacred…a community ritual. She stressed how poetry has been communal for years and years. A poem is for anyone or everybody; it’s a giving…a gift. Everyone leaves our time together, feeling profoundly heard, having experienced a sacred human community.

Zoom Adult Classes During the Pandemic

Not knowing whether a virtual medium could hold the spirit of reverence that permeates all her classes, Ann proposed a Zoom class the spring of 2021 and a ten week class the winter and spring of 2022. Whatever was hesitant on her part, as well as the participants, dissipated as soon as they witnessed each other’s faces without masks… as soon as the same ritual space was created virtually.

The three aspects that punctuate the classes–Ann’s introduction; the solitary time for writing; the sharing of writing and positive feedback– lend themselves well to a Zoom presentation. As one participant voiced, if it’s a matter of no poetry or zoom, I’ll take zoom. Of course we prefer in-person classes when possible and hold many outside gatherings spring, summer and fall among the gardens.

Still, living with uncertainty these days–whether it’s due to Covid, winter storms or mud season– it’s helpful to know that Zoom is a viable substitute. When necessary, The Poetry Studio will continue to offer a variety of classes via Zoom in the future.

Beginning writers are welcome, as well as participants who wish to return to a writing practice and the experience of community.

Please contact Ann Gengarelly with any questions (gengarellya@gmail.com).