Join Jan Freeman for the 2023 MASS MoCA Writing Through Art Poetry Retreat, a generative-writing boot camp for poets at the MASS MoCA Artist Residency Center in the heart of the Berkshires.
Explore the many ways that painting, sculpture, and photography can open your poems and perception in this expansive and generative 6-day writing retreat. Culminating in a poetry reading at The Artist Book Foundation located on the MASS MoCA campus. Poets and writers of all levels of experience are welcome. Through daily prompts, exercises, readings, and discussions, you will experience the many ways that art can open memories, emotion, the imagination, and help you explore new poetic ways of expressing yourself. Morning workshops take place from 10:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. and afternoons are free, to explore the Berkshires or write in the galleries of MASS MoCA, the Clark Art Institute and your own private studio at the museum.
A one-hour private consultation about your individual poems, writing goals, and/or manuscript is included. An in-depth manuscript consultation can be scheduled separately.
To apply, please email 3 poems and a paragraph that describes your poetry background and your interest in attending the retreat. Send to Jan Freeman. Registration is open until the retreat is full, with a limit of 10 poets. Experienced and new poets are welcome. This retreat is full. To sign up for the waiting list, email Jan Freeman.at janfreemanpoetry@gmail.com.
Writing in response to Anselm Kiefer, The Schechina.
Poets writing in the Prow, next to the Louise Bourgeois gallery.
“Jan Freeman’s ekphrastic poetry residency at MassMoCA offered a unique opportunity. We spent our days in our studios and in art galleries, inspired by the art work before us. Jan provided excellent writing prompts that opened me up to my imagination and to new discoveries. For me, the concentrated writing time gave me a chance to go deeper. I learned so much from Jan’s teaching and guidance and from connecting with other poets.”
“The MASS MoCA Writing Through Art Poetry Retreat exceeded my expectations and gave me sustenance, helping me recognize the necessity of poetry in my daily life and how visual art can help generate new inroads to poetic ideas and daring.
My manuscript review with Jan might be my favorite part of a retreat filled with favorite parts. Jan’s comments were encouraging, generous, and aimed at considering my goals and where I am now as a poet. I also was impressed with Jan’s talks about poetry and writing to the group, and the poems she brought for us to read and discuss, consider as models and inspiration.”
Group poetry reading at the Artist Book Foundation
Studio space at the museum, accommodations, and cost
Included:
Your own private writing studio at the museum, with 24/7 access.
Free admission to MASS MoCA, the Clark Art Institute, and the Williams College Museum of Art throughout the week.
Private bedroom (queen-sized bed) with shared bathroom and kitchen in the MASS MoCA 2nd floor, 4-bedroom apartments across the street from the museum. Please note: there is no elevator access to the apartments.
Boxed lunches provided June 1–June 5.
Welcome gathering on May 31.
Free parking.
Extras:
The Berkshires in June is a haven for cultural and outdoor activities. Visit Naumkeag Gardens, William College Museum of Art, The Norman Rockwell Museum, Edith Wharton’s home, The Mount, and The Berkshire Theatre Group. And enjoy the area’s extensive walking trails, gardens, and lakes. A members discount is offered when purchasing tickets to evening performances and concerts at MASS MoCA.
Cost:
$1,600. Limited financial assistance is available. In the event that the pandemic necessitates that the retreat takes place via Zoom, tuition will be reduced to $800.
Questions? Contact: Jan Freeman at janfreemanpoetry@gmail.com.
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