November 14, 2022, Midland, MI. – Creative 360 is holding their first Open Poetry Slam on Saturday, November 19^th at 7pm. The MC for the slam is poet Jared Morningstar, author of American Fries, American Reality and A Slice of American Pie. The event is part of the Celebration of Voices series at Creative 360 and is sponsored by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The concept of slam poetry originated in the 1980s in Chicago, Illinois, when a local poet and construction worker, Marc Kelly Smith, had an idea to bring the true passion of poetry back to the people. He created the poetry slam—where anyone could participate by performing their work to be judged on a scale of 0 to 10. Whoever had the highest score at the end of the competition was deemed the winner.

“Slam poetry is written to be performed,” said Executive Director, Laura Vosejpka. “It is an energetic blending of artistic media that is full of excitement.  We want this slam to be a way for all people in our community to share their authentic voices with an audience that is ready to hear them.”

Gladys, the Proper Taco Truck, will be in the Bayliss Street lot from 6-8 pm so that participants and audience members can grab dinner on their way in.

The Open Poetry Slam will be held on Saturday, November 19 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Creative 360’s Bayliss Street Gallery. Admission for audience and for poets is $5. All ticket sales proceeds go towards prize money. You can preregister online at becreative360.org or by calling the arts center at 989-837-1885.

About Creative 360
Creative 360 is a not-for-profit community arts and wellness organization founded in 1994. Its mission is to create environments that allow people of all ages and abilities to experience the creative process, and to enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellness through the arts and humanities. The organization’s core values of inclusiveness, creativity, respect and community drive the culture at Creative 360. Activities at Creative 360 are supported in part by the Michigan Arts and Cultural Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Midland Area Community Foundation, and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. Visit www.becreative360.org for information about the offerings at Creative 360, or call (989) 837-1885 to request a mailed copy of the current schedule.