PRINTED POETRY PLACED in public pleases me. Pleases me because putting poetry out there places this literary art into hands that might not otherwise pick poetry. I mean, if we’re honest, how often do we purchase a poetry book or pull a poetry volume from the 811. section of the library? Probably not all that often.
That is why I love the latest poetry project in my area—“Poem in a Bag.” Rice County Neighbors United, an advocacy group for low income and immigrant community members, recently launched this project in Northfield, a city rich in the arts, including poetry. Mar Valdecantos, RCNU advocate director and also a poet, writer, visual artist and art teacher, is leading this endeavor.
The concept is simple. Collect, translate, print and place poems inside a box (not a bag) in locations accessible to the public. The poetry, both original and favorites, is paired with local original art, including that of Valdecantos. Anyone can grab a poetry scroll and have instant access to literary and visual art.
But there’s more. The poems are printed in Spanish and in English. I can’t read Spanish. (My second daughter can; she’s a former Spanish medical interpreter and translator.) That doesn’t matter. What matters is that each poem is printed in two languages, reflecting, respecting and celebrating cultural diversity in our region of southern Minnesota.
Rice County Neighbors United aims to raise cultural awareness via events and activities like “Poem in a Bag,” funded by a grant from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. The arts have always been a way to connect peoples, to communicate, to inspire and more. Whatever our differences, art is universal, linking us in our humanity.
Poems submitted for this National Poetry Month project cover a range of topics, some specific, others broader. Sunrise, empanadas, children, cancer, loneliness, life, winter, salmon, even a dead mouse, are among the subjects of original poems. I’ve lent several poems for the project.
And then there is the poetry of renowned poets—Latin American, Cuban, American—selected and submitted as favorite poems. Nature, the mother-child relationship, a white rose and service to others theme these. They, too, are accompanied by art.
Art in all its forms is powerful. Rice County Neighbors United recognizes that, celebrating creativity and entrepreneurship at Mercado Local, a marketplace for immigrant vendors and also an art center, community room and education space located at 108 5th Street East in Northfield.
“Poem in a Bag” poems are available at Mercado Local and at other Northfield businesses (currently Content Bookstore, Imminent Brewery and radio station KYMN) and at the Northfield Public Library. Valdecantos aims to get poetry boxes into more Northfield businesses. In Faribault, “Poem in a Bag” can be found at Books on Central, a used bookshop run by the Rice County Area United Way.
This is an ambitious undertaking, one Valdecantos hopes to repeat next April during National Poetry Month. She intends to extend this year’s “Poem in a Bag” into May with a poetry reading set for 6:30-8 pm Thursday, May 23, in the community room/art space at Mercado Local. I appreciate all of this. To place poetry in public places, to use art to connect cultures, is truly a welcoming, neighborly gift to our culturally diverse communities.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
I love the creativity of this project making poems available in public places for others to enjoy. The scope of the project is a huge undertaking. And I like the idea poems can roll right into May to keep the momentum going. Also enjoyed how you highlighted some local businesses participating.
Thanks for sharing and what favorite poem did you add to the box?
The poems I submitted were my originals, “Lilacs,” for one. And several others that have been published through the years. I think it’s a wonderful endeavor.
Yes, I have always liked your lilac poem and hope this spring, there will still be lilacs blooming upon our return.
Thank you, Sue. I thought the lilacs would be early this year. But then the weather turned cold again. So who knows? When do you return to MN?
I am impressed with Valdecantos ambitious and clever project. I enjoyed her poem and artwork. She is a wonderful artist and asset to your community.
Just for clarification, you’re seeing only a portion of Mar’s poem and art in this photo. I intentionally chose not to photograph it in its entirety. Mar attended a presentation at Carleton College several years ago where an attendee mentioned “Poem in a Bag.” That stuck with her and she took it from there to develop this project this year in Northfield.
What a wonderful community project! And as a former librarian I appreciate the reference to the 811 section.
Projects like this excite me, too. As a poet, as a writer, as a person. You’re welcome re the 811 reference.
what an absolutely brilliant initiative! the thought behind it, the execution, and the results – I wish this were everywhere
Hopefully the idea will catch on.
what a truly great project. Getting poetry out in the world in a fun way. Great job!
Thank you for appreciating this poetry project. I knew you would. 🙂