
Poetry Palooza! Workshops
Write and polish your poetry, essays, and writing skills through these workshops presented by Poetry Palooza! featured poets.
Saturday, April 5, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Grand View University
Morning Poetry Workshop Session (Pick One)
Saturday, April 5, 2024
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Grand View University
Afternoon Poetry Workshop Session (Pick One)
Youth Workshops
Engaging youth in poetry is a critical piece of our mission. We are thrilled to collaborate with many community partners to arrange the youth workshops below.
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For more information on youth workshops, please contact poetryamp@gmail.com.
Note: These youth workshops are not open to the public.
2025 Poetry Palooza Youth Workshops
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Choice Charter School - Virtual Classroom
Led by Kelsey Bigelow
Participants: Students grades 7-12
Poetry as a Coping Tool
Life tends to throw heavy stuff our way, and it's our job to manage our mental health through it all. This workshop walks you through methods for writing poetry as a coping tool. From free writing and responding to prompts to observing your situation and trying a poetic form, poetry can help you process and manage your emotions through the heaviness.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Virtual Classroom
Led by Kelsey Bigelow
Participants: Clay Central Everly Elementary and Resurrection Elementary School (Dubuque) students
Details to come.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Humboldt Middle School
Led by Vince Gotera
Participants: Humboldt Middle School 7th-8th grade students
Details to come.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
DMACC
Led by Ross Gay
Participants: DMACC students
Rapid Writing Exercises!
Join poet & essayist Ross Gay as he leads us in a series of writing exercises. Ross will lead us through as many as possible in the time that we have. Bring your favorite writing instrument & come wonder with us.
Friday, April 4, 2025
8:45 - 10:30 a.m.
Bondurant-Farrar Junior High School
Led by Jane Wong
Participants: Junior High School Students
Writing Deliciously: The Poetry of Food
How can we open up our food memories through sensory details and playful language? In our workshop, we will explore food memories and write deliciously together!
Friday, April 4, 2025
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
CDG Elementary School
Led by Vince Gotera
Participants: CDG Elementary School 2nd-4th grade students
Details to come.
Friday, April 4, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Jester Nature Park
Led by Ross Gay
Participants: Central Academy/DMPS and Valley High School
Rapid Writing Exercises!
Join poet & essayist Ross Gay as he leads us in a series of writing exercises. Ross will lead us through as many as possible in the time that we have. Bring your favorite writing instrument & come wonder with us.
Friday, 4, 2025
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
TBA
Led by SAY Poetry DSM
Participants: Al Exito Middle & High School Students from DMPS
Details to come.
Let us know your plans
Do you know which workshops you are interested in attending? Complete the RSVP form (or update your existing RSVP) with your selected workshops. We are looking forward to having you at Poetry Palooza!