Upcoming Events
EVENTS 2025 January
PART TALENT SHOW SEARCH AND PART EXHIBITION OF TALENT FROM LOCAL POETS, SONGWRITERS, CREATIVE WRITERS, SINGERS MUSICIANS OR STAND UP COMICS- COME SHOW US YOUR SKILLS!
THE NEWEST EVENT OF THE YEAR, LITERALLY!
ON JANUARY 2ND AND THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH ILL BE HOSTING AN OPEN MIC NIGHT AT THE SCRANTON LIBRARY.
EVERYONE WELCOME, AUDIENCES TO PERFORMERS, 6 PM TO 730 PM. PLEASE SIGN UP WITH ED UPON ARRIVAL ( 5:45-6 PM) FIRST 12 PEOPLE USUALLY GET TO PERFORM. WE TRY TO DO ONE SET AND IF WE HAVE ANY EXTRA TIME WE JUST PLAN A SECOND SET WHERE SOME PEOPLE CAN DO A SECOND SET.
EVENTS 2025 JANUARY
JANUARY 8 HAIKU WORK SHOP
Join us for:
“Haikus from the Heart”
A kindness-themed poetry-writing workshop
Led by Ed Lent, Madison’s first Poet Laureate
January 8, 2025, 5:30-7:00pm
First Congregational Church (FCC) of Madison (Hubley Hall)
26 Meetinghouse Lane, Madison, CT
• Learn about Haiku poems and how to create one based on the theme of kindness. No experience needed!
• Submit your haiku poems using the same QR code by 5:00pm on January 13th to enter the contest.
• Award Winners will be announced by Ed Lent at the Chocolate Festival to be held on February 8th from 11:00am – 3:00pm at FCC of Madison (awards ceremony at 2:00pm)
• Scan the QR code to register in one of four categories:
-IF YOU ARE HERE AND GETTING QR CODE DEACTIVATED OR HAVING A HARD TIME- PLEASE JUST EMAIL ME AT EDWARDLENT@icloud.com and I can send it to you directly.
Family (Parent accompanied by children in grades 1-5)
o Middle School (grades 6-8)
o High School (grades 9-12)
o Adult (high school graduate and above)
The Madison Kindness Committee: bekindmadison@gmail.com
THE FIRST POET LAUREATE OF MADISON, CT-EDWARD A. LENT
SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!!
I WILL BE INDUCTED AS THE POET LAUREATE OF MADISON, CT.
INDUCTION- PROCLAMATION CEREMONY AND EVENT
CEREMONY AT THE MADISON LIBRARY
THURSDAY OCT 24
FROM 5:30-6:30
FIRST SELECTWOMAN, PEGGY LYONS WITH ANNOUNCE THE PROCLAMATION THAT INDUCTS ME AS THE FIRST POET LAUREATE OF THE BEAUTIFUL TOWN OF MADISON CONNECTICUT. HOST LEAD OF THE MADISON LIBRARY, ALLISON MURPHY WILL INTRODUCE ME AND IL BE READING A FEW SPECIAL POEMS FROM MY BOOK WHICH IS AVAILABLE ONLY AT BREAKWATER BOOKS IN GUILFORD, CT.
Writer’s Block Group Writes Ekphrastic Poems about GAL Show
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Nazareth University 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award
I am deeply honored to share with my community, friends, and fellow artists that I have been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award from Nazareth University. This prestigious accolade will be presented during Naz Weekend, at a special awards reception on Friday, September 20th.
Poetry in the Gallery
The Shoreline Arts Alliance presents Poetry in the Gallery at the Kehler Liddell Gallery in New Haven on Saturday Aug, 24 at 2 pm. The exhibition of Ekphrastic Poetry along with the IMAGES 2024 photography show is co-hosted by Ed Lent of the Ekphrastic Poetry Trust of Connecticut, the program will begin promptly and feature a reading from various Connecticut poets.
The Poetry of Art & The Art of Poetry
A special exhibit showcasing the intersection of visual arts and poetry, presented by the Guilford Art League and the Ekphrastic Poetry Trust of Connecticut.
EALENT: A Solo Art Exhibition
If you want to wake up everyday with drive and passion, and a big dash of stress- have a solo show! I’m used to doing one or two pieces and seeing where they go, so working on over a dozen has been an entirely new experience, but an incredibly exciting and rewarding one. My home and gardens have never be en more ignored but it’s going to be a great show! The instal date changed and the reception time is now 5 PM to 7:30 due to some library stuff, so much for getting the word out early!
Guilford Art League Member Show
2024 Member Show of GAL held at the Guilford Free Library
The Mural as Muse: An Ekphrastic Workshop
Facilitated by Poet Ed Lent, also known as Ezra Lovecraft
Dates:
- Initial Session: Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Snow Date: Sunday, March 3, 2024
- Follow-up Session: Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: American Mural Project, 90 Whiting Street, Winsted, CT.
Delve into the fusion of visual art and poetry in this intensive half-day workshop at the American Mural Project (AMP). Participants will explore ekphrastic poetry—a literary form that vividly describes a work of art—through both guided and personal interpretation of AMP’s monumental five-story indoor mural depicting American workers.
The workshop will commence with an introduction to the concept of ekphrasis, from its Greek roots meaning "description," to contemporary applications. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to view the mural across three levels, fostering reflection and creative response.
Ed Lent, esteemed poet and educator, will lead the session, offering insights into the ekphrastic process and sharing examples of poetry that respond to various artworks. The workshop will culminate in a collaborative discussion, where participants can share their drafts and gain feedback.
Additional Opportunities:
- Participants are encouraged to submit their polished poems by March 16 for potential inclusion in "The Mural as Muse" exhibit during National Poetry Month in April 2024.
Admission:
- Adults: $20
- Students (Grades 6 – College): $12
Registration:
- Pre-registration is mandatory, as spaces are limited.
- The non-refundable registration fee grants full access to AMP for the day.
- Register online at https://www.tfaforms.com/5103787
Further Inquiries: Please contact Mimi at mimi@americanmuralproject.org
Visit: www.americanmuralproject.org
About Ed Lent aka Ezra Lovecroft:
A celebrated figure in the Connecticut poetry scene, Ed Lent is not only the recipient of the 2020 Connecticut Arts Hero Award but also a cherished poet-educator and the mind behind the iconic "Ezra Lovecroft Presents: The Unexpected Poet." His publications include "As Above, So Below" and the 2023 chapbook "Perceptions." Ed's engagement in ekphrastic poetry has enriched audiences from public schools to collegiate settings, making profound impacts across generations.
Join us at AMP for an enriching exploration of art and poetry, where the grandeur of American labor is immortalized through the delicate craft of ekphrastic verse. Doors open at 8:30 AM, and the workshop begins promptly at 9:00 AM.
2024 Upcoming Art Shows GUILFORD ART LEAGUE
OPENING DATES FOR BELOW SEASONAL SHOWS TBA
Winter Show-January -March. Guilford Community Center Menunkatuck Room 2nd Floor
Spring Show April-June Guilford Community Center Menunkatuck Room 2nd Floor
Summer Show July- October. Guilford Community Center Menunkatuck Room 2nd Floor
Fall Show October- January. Guilford Community Center Menunkatuck Room 2nd Floor