Student art and voice showcased at Poetry Lounge

By Sammy Park

Staff Writer

The Creative Writing Club, in association with the student-run magazine Tunnel, hosted a poetry night at SPACE Art Center on Friday, December 11. Local high school students read their poetry and received advice from writer April Wolfe about making a career off of their art. Copies of Holding SPACE, a magazine featuring written works from all participants as well as visual artwork, were sold for $5 apiece to offset the cost of the event.

The event was hosted to support art made by students and amplify student voice.

“The best part of this experience was the energy within the room. It was such a warm and cozy space filled with art and it inspired me to see such talent in my peers,” sophomore Amelia Anthony said.

The night kicked off with meditation led by senior Somi Jun, followed by a program of poetry readings. There were seven SPHS students and three students from neighboring schools. Many participants said they were empowered by sharing their art with their peers  and  gained the confidence to start showcasing their art more often.

“When I went up to speak, it was like I was writing my poems again. I got to relive emotions that  I felt when I was writing my poems,” senior Emily Armstrong said. “Now that I’ve shared my writing and seen the positive way it was perceived, it has made me more confident to put my writing out there.”

After the poetry readings, there was a guest speaker. April Wolfe, who has written for publications like Vice and Marie Claire, shared advice with the young artists. Throughout her session, she shared the importance of becoming a part of an artistic community.

“It was great to hear April talking about community, because that’s what I felt in here. Listening to people made me feel like I was a part of something bigger. This event inspired me to attempt to diversify my art,” Nathaniel Stephens, a senior at Allan F. Daily High School, said.