Writing Workshops for Children

Join us in reading and writing short poems written from photographs. In this workshop, led by Heidi Mordhorst, kids will learn about the practice of “ekphrasis” (a vivid description of a work of art) and work collaboratively to compose a poem based on a photo, choosing words carefully for their music. Participants will then choose a photo image and compose their own poems. The workshop will close with an opportunity for those inclined to share their poems. 

Join Jennifer-NeToi Claiborne for an hour of poetic exploration, where words, book-making and collage art converge into a blend of expression and craftsmanship. Explore two charming bookbinding methods that effortlessly transform simple materials into a handmade book. Depart with your unique creation – a poetry-infused, artistically adorned book, a testament to the fusion of creativity within you.

Latin Grammy Award-winning artist, author and educator, Ben Gundersheimer (MISTER G), will lead an interactive, bilingual family workshop to share his secrets for transforming songs into stories. MISTER G will be reading from his books, “Señorita Mariposa,” “We’ll Make Things Better Together” and “How Many Squirrels Are in the World?” and, joined by MISSUS G (Katherine Jamieson), performing the original songs that inspired them. Come ready to sing and dance!

This workshop for ages 12-16 will help young writers build three essential elements of a story: the hero (protagonist), the villain (antagonist) and the conflict. In a series of fun, interactive and sometimes random creative exercises, Suzanne Zweizig will lead students through brainstorming different story choices, trying on pairings, and mixing-and-matching story elements to come up with the structure for a unique story they themselves can write. In the process, students will be introduced to different types of story structures and conflicts, and have a lot of creative fun. All students will leave the workshop with at least one rough story outline and ideas for developing it on their own. 

Come out and create animal riddle artwork and “I” poems. Working with Jennifer Klein, kids will read and discuss some animal riddle poems, then design a mini-artwork and write their own riddle poem using words that paint pictures. Illustration tips for creating an up-close artwork will be shared, then we’ll see if we can guess each other’s animals!

Create a new mythical creature, a cryptid, something funky, weird, creepy and maybe even friendly, with Hildie S. Block! Our new friend will have a problem, and have to go on a trip to learn to deal with it. Come to this workshop and create your creature, give it a problem and map out where it has to go. So many stories at the festival – now it’s your turn to tell one!

Create along with Courtney Pippin-Mathur as she shows you how to let your creativity roam through different painting techniques that you can use to start creating your own art journals. No art experience or technique required, just join in for a relaxing art session (that could inspire new story ideas!)