The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is pleased to announce the upcoming “Strike a Prose: InsideOut Literary Arts Writing Workshop,” featuring the distinguished Michigan Poet Laureate, Nandi Comer. The workshop will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in Gallery 8 of the James Barnor Exhibition. Participants will gather in the Holley Room at 11 am and proceed to the exhibition together as a group.
This creative writing workshop, a collaboration with InsideOut Literary Arts, draws inspiration from the captivating works of renowned Ghanaian photographer James Barnor. Its purpose is to provide attendees with an opportunity to explore various forms and techniques of writing. Through engaging discussions and explorations, participants will discover new entry points and seek inspiration from the diverse range of portraits in the exhibition, James Barnor: Accra/London—A Retrospective. This engagement will deepen their understanding of the social and political context of the exhibit, fostering a unique appreciation for the intersection of visual arts and literary expression.
“We are honored to have Nandi Comer, a true literary luminary, leading the ‘Strike a Prose’ workshop,” said Sharon Harrell, Community Engagement Manager for the DIA. “This unique InsideOut Literary Arts opportunity will unlock new avenues of creativity and provide a platform for participants to explore the power of words inspired by the remarkable visual narrative of James Barnor’s photographs.”
Nandi Comer, the esteemed Poet Laureate of Michigan, will guide the workshop. Comer is the author of two critically acclaimed poetry collections, “American Family: A Syndrome” and “Tapping Out.” Her exceptional talent and literary contributions have garnered numerous awards and fellowships, including the prestigious 2019 Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship. Comer’s dedication to promoting African diasporic literature extends beyond her role as a poetry editor for Obsidian: Literature and Arts in the African Diaspora. She also serves as the Director of the Allied Media Projects Seeds Program, showcasing her commitment to nurturing artistic talent within diverse communities.
“This workshop not only celebrates the convergence of visual arts and literature but also provides a unique opportunity for participants to deeply engage with James Barnor’s powerful portraits and find their own voices through creative writing,” said Harrell. “Participants are in for an amazing day of learning and creation.”
The “Strike a Prose: InsideOut Literary Arts Writing Workshop” promises to be an enriching experience for both emerging and established writers. Under the guidance of Nandi Comer, a revered figure in the literary world, participants will have the opportunity to refine their craft and delve into the art of storytelling.
“InsideOut Literary Arts is thrilled to have Nandi Comer facilitate a writing workshop designed to immerse participants in the work of James Barnor,” said Alise Alousi, Director of School and Community Partnerships at InsideOut Literary Arts. “Through discussion, writing, and sharing, participants will use the photos in the exhibit to inspire their own creative work. This workshop is suitable for teens and adults.”
Admission to the workshop is free with general museum admission, but space is limited, and advance registration is required. Interested individuals can register online at dia.org/workshops/strike-a-prose or call the DIA’s Visitor Services at (555) 123-4567.
General admission to the museum is always free for members and residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. This workshop presents a unique opportunity to engage with art, literature, and creativity in a collaborative and inspiring environment.
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