Workshop Descriptions: Break-Out 1
Writing our Stories to Preserve our Heritage, Educate our Youth, and Engender Change
Workshop Leaders: Juan Flores & Albert Valencia
We believe everyone has a strong unique voice and is born with creative genius. The Central Valley Chicana and Chicano Writers' Collective is a community of Chicana and Chicano professionals who believe in the power of stories to save lives. So many Chicanas and Chicanos played an important role in the history of the Central Valley. Many of us have friends or relatives who were pivotal players in the Chicano movement of the 1960's who may have passed away without having an opportunity to tell their stories. But many stories are yet to be written. Join us in this workshop and tell your story. During this session, you will participate in sustained silent writing. All will have the opportunity to share their writing.
(Break-out Session #1--August 5th & August 12th)
Are You a Cat Poet or an Ox Poet? A Generative Workshop
Workshop Leaders: Zheyla M. Henriksen & Janet Rodriguez
The Polish Post-war Poet, Zbigniew Herbert described writers of poetry as either being Ox poets (steady, scheduled, faithful to the process of writing) or Cat poets (pouncing on ideas and writing in a sudden flurry of activity). Which one are you? Maybe a bit of both? When you come to the creative table, are you playful or serious? Relaxed or purposeful? Come and discover your natural propensity in this generative workshop, where you'll compose poetry as a cat and an ox. We will discover and celebrate our own unique style and learn to respect others. This generative workshop will compare and contrast the habits of Ox and Cat poets, while cultivating a culture of respect (especially in a workshop setting). Come and discover how your natural propensity can be embraced, respected, and communicated in fullness!
(Break-out Session #1--August 5th & August 12th)
Celestial Communication: Multidimensional Writers & From Memorias to Masterpieces
Workshop Leader: Diosa Xochiquetzalcóatl
Celestial Communication: Multidimensional Writers
Through a semi-guided meditation, participants will learn how to open up and clear their chakras, or totonalcayos in the school of Nahualismo. We will pay special attention to the throat chakra, the energy center responsible for communication. Once the totonalcayos have been aligned, attendees will learn how to connect to the divine feminine, unlocking the fundamental energy of creation and creativity. By opening the heart and clearing the mind, participants will be able to travel through an array of worlds filled with visions and vibrant colors all with the underlying purpose of documenting these experiences, the starting point for creating unique and personalized, multidimensional writings.
(Break-out Session #1--August 5th)
From Memorias to Masterpieces
Through a few guided meditations, Diosa X will help participants travel back in time to reconnect with people and places, allowing attendees to relive and experience these moments through various lenses. With these newfound perspectives, participants will be able to capture significant moments, moments which may have been lost, forgotten, or simply overseen. By revitalizing these memories, writers of all levels will also be able to revitalize their writing; hence, creating significant masterpieces from simplest memorias.
(Break-out Session #1--August 12th)
Write the Future: Afrofuturism, Indigenous Futurism and Science Fiction for Writers of Color
Workshop Leader: Nikia Chaney
Afrofuturism and Indigenous Futurism are genres shaped by generations of artists, musicians, scholars, and activists whose aim is to showcase how blackness, brownness, and indigeneity can exist in future worlds. Writing speculative stories and poems is empowering because it assumes a future in which culture and language can thrive. This workshop will explore important themes and ideas from Afrofuturism, Indigenous Futurism, and science fiction. Come with a fantastic idea, a few words, or just curiosity, and learn how to write yourself into the future!
(Break-out Session #1--August 5th & August 12th)
Workshop Descriptions: Break-Out 2
Days of Obligation
Workshop Leader: JoAnn Anglin, Member, Escritores del Nuevo Sol
"Days of Obligation" is a Catholic Church designation for holy days. But we have many days of obligation in our social circles, professionally, through our familias, etc. What does obligation mean? How does a day become holy? Let’s review these terms, read poems, and write about the days of obligation we create, dread, or celebrate in our lives.
(Break-out Session #2--August 5th & August 12th)
Finding your Huitzilopochtli
Workshop Leader: Estela Victoria-Cordero
In this workshop, you'll write poetry that touches on familia and immigration while finding your Huitzilopochtli. Who is the god of sun and war in your family history? Write about your ancestors, immediate family, the experience of immigration or travel, and discover your poetic voice. What does it mean to live within the cultural identity of several countries? All are welcome whether they have lived in another country or not!
(Break-out Session #2--August 5th & August 12th)
Dope Poet Love: A Poet’s Performance Workshop
Workshop Leader: Joseph Jason Santiago LaCour
Practice performing your poetry. Start with a poem you have written. In this workshop, you will learn about the technical aspects of performance such as posture, eye contact, projection, etc. You will be invited to perform a poem and reflect upon your delivery. Make sure to bring a poem that you have written using your creative voice. Let’s dramatically inspire a creative message of peace and empowerment through performing our poetry!
(Break-out Session #2--August 5th & August 12th)
Write the Museum! Finding Literary Inspiration Through Art
Workshop Leader: Adela Najarro
In this workshop, participants will view the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) exhibits and then write poems. We will begin by reading ekphrastic poems and viewing the artworks that inspired them. According to the Getty Center: "Ekphrastic poetry has come to be defined as poems written about works of art; however, in ancient. Greece, the term ekphrasis was applied to the skill of describing a thing with vivid detail." After discussing the intersection of art & poetry, participants will be free to roam the MAH and write poems inspired by the museum's collections. We will regroup and share our adventures through the museum with one another.
(Break-out Session #2--August 5th & August 12th)