I know it’s only February, but the past month has felt like a whole damn year. Especially here in Minneapolis, where ICE is currently wreaking havoc on our state by instigating violence, kidnapping immigrants (regardless of their status), and kidnapping/murdering legal observers.

While I’ve been helping where I can, I tend to freeze during traumatic events. The one thing I CAN do when I’m feeling stuck is write. And while it doesn’t seem like a lot, creating art right now matters. It’s how we connect with others, show solidarity, and bring a glimpse of joy to others during a time where a lot of people are overwhelmed, scared, anxious, or burnt out. Art can also be a tool for processing what’s happening and emotions that come up.

Whether you’re feeling frozen, angry, or empowered, there’s a workshop this month for you. I’ll also show you how you can use these workshops and other resources in tandem.

Upcoming Workshops

Salt, Warmth, and Force: Poetry Against Ice with Kyle “Guante” Tran Mhrye via Button Poetry

• February 5 @ 7 PM (CT)
• Cost: $25

Protest Poetry Workshop with Alex Dawson

• February 7 @ 11 AM - 12:30 PM (ET)
• Cost: $22 (50% of proceeds will go to the International Institute of Minnesota, an organization that directly helps immigrants and refugees in MN)

That Feeling When . . . with Grant Clauser via ONE ART

• February 17 @ 6 - 8 PM (ET)
• Cost: $15 - $40 (sliding scale)

Poetry Editing Workshop with Marcelle Newbold via The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press

• February 22 @ 5 - 6 PM (UK) / 11 AM - 12 PM (CT)
• Cost: FREE
• (NOTE: Email theweesparrowpoetrypress@gmail.com for the Zoom link.)

How to Use These Resources Together

1. Take one of the protest-themed workshops and/or the feeling workshop. (Of course, if you have the time and the financial means, take all three!)
2. Edit the poem(s) you wrote in those workshop during the FREE poetry editing workshop.
3. Check out Guante’s “Resources for Creative Troublemakers” for ways you can support organizing and mutual aid efforts through and beyond your writing. (Specifically section 2 for artist actions and more prompts to keep you writing + section 3 for inspiration from MN voices.)