You Can Understand and Write Poetry

Everyone is a poet at heart, whether or not they’ve discovered their innate
abilities. The Northwest Cultural Council will offer workshops to help
people understand, appreciate, and write poetry, from 9 a.m. to noon,
Saturdays, July 8, Aug. 12, and Sept. 9, at Palatine Public Library,
700 N. North Court, Palatine.

“Food Glorious Food,” the July 8 workshop, allows participants to engage
their senses and tap into their deepest memories, exploring food as
poetic inspiration. Beginning and experienced poets alike will
participate in fun exercises that will expand their imaginations and
sensory perceptions. The workshop is taught by Jennifer Dotson of
Highland Park, founder and coordinator of Highland Park Poetry, and
author of “Clever Gretel,” a poetry collection.

“Asking the Right Questions,” the Aug. 12 workshop, will give participants
insight into understanding the poetry they read and inspiring them to
write and engage their readers. It is taught by Jan Bottiglieri of Schaumburg,
managing editor of RHINO magazine, and author of poetry collections
including “Where Gravity Pools the Sugar” and “Alloy.” Bottiglieri has
won many awards for her work and has received nominations for Pushcart
Prizes.

In “The Ladder of Abstraction,” Sept. 9 workshop, participants will learn
how to understand abstract concepts in poetry and use them to their
advantage, rather than be intimidated by them in appreciating and
writing poems. Nicole Tryling of Evanston, will lead the workshop. She works for the Center for Talent Development in Evanston, and has taught literature and writing at colleges, including
Oakton Community College and the University of Wisconsin–Parkside.

The “Second Saturday Poetry Workshops” are partially sponsored by Poets
& Writers in New York, The Ritzenthaler Family Foundation in
Warrenville, and Nancy Heggem of Palatine.

The Northwest Cultural Council serves the Northwest Corridor and is a
non-profit organization. It supports and promotes the work of area
visual artists and poets, offering a variety of programs including
corporate gallery exhibitions (co-sponsored by businesses, convention
and visitors’ bureaus, libraries, and hospitals) and art competitions.

For more information, contact the NWCC, 847-382-6922.