In this Zoom presentation led by Rosemarie Dombrowski, we’ll explore the history of poetic therapy in America in both clinical and communal environments. We’ll also discuss the features that make poetry an ideal (and efficacious) form of augmentative therapy—in other words, how it can help us discover creative ways to explore our vulnerabilities, re-cast our narratives, and encourage hope and healing. Given these properties, we’ll also be addressing how poetry can potentially revolutionize the ways in which we educate future practitioners and, most importantly, the ways in which it can revolutionize patient care. Zoom registration link found here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rTwbYPRoQCeadiQKOFudbg Rosemarie Dombrowski is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Phoenix, AZ and the founding director of Revisionary Arts, a nonprofit that provides therapeutic poetry workshops for vulnerable populations, the medical community, and the community at large. She’s published three collections of poetry including The Book of Emergencies (Five Oaks Press, 2014), a lyrical ethnography of the culture of nonverbal Autism. She’s the recipient of an Arts Hero award, a Great 48 award, a Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets, and others. She serves on the advisory board of the Narrative Medicine program at the University of Arizona Biomedical campus and teaches courses in literature and the […]

This revelatory documentary brings to light the profound and overlooked influence of Indigenous people on popular music in North America. Focusing on music icons like Link Wray, Jimi Hendrix, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Taboo (The Black Eyed Peas), Charley Patton, Mildred Bailey, Jesse Ed Davis, Robbie Robertson, and Randy Castillo, RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World shows how these pioneering Native American musicians helped shape the soundtracks of our lives. All ages welcome. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Nanibaa Beck addresses the ways Native women metalsmith integrate indigenous knowledge, practice and tradition into their craft. She focuses on four to five metalsmiths with a rotation in place, person, and style. Beck is a 2nd generation Diné (Navajo) jeweler. Being intricately connected to the creation process motivated her to become more knowledgeable about the multifaceted areas surrounding Native American Art. This presentation and Nanibaa’s work demonstrate the connection of Native artists to Arizona and beyond as a place and identity. Nanibaa Beck is a 2nd generation Diné (Navajo) jeweler. Being intricately connected to the creation process motivated Nanibaa to become more knowledgeable about the multifaceted areas surrounding Native American Art. In November 2013, Nanibaa founded NotAbove Jewelry. Her a-ha moment to pursue jewelry occurred after a small thank you card project sparked the idea for the original language necklaces. They were the beginning of the thoughtful and intentional handmade creations that connect to her Diné culture.    Today, NotAbove reflects vibrant Native creative expressions and the growth of an Diné ‘Asdzáá (woman) as a metalsmith. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. AZ Speaks is made possible by AZ […]

Expert potter, Martha Kelly, will instruct students on how to identify and collect natural clay from our area and help them to create one of a kind pottery pieces. Workshops include instruction on natural glazing techniques as well as traditional firing methods. Workshop #1 on December 11 will detail pottery-making, Workshop #2 on December 18 will be glazing and firing. This series of workshops will be available to Patagonia students and area adults. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Tucson author and journalist Brian Jabas Smith will read selections from his new book of Tucson Salvage columns accompanied by a new documentary directed by his wife Maggie Smith. Formerly a singer/songwriter, Smith is an award-winning journalist, first as a staff writer and columnist at Phoenix New Times and then as an editor at Detroit’s Metro Times, with work appearing in magazines, alt-weeklies, and literary journals. Books will be available for purchase and signing. www.briansmithwriter.com NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

The final book discussion of our NEA Big Read program, Deb Goff will facilitate this discussion of Joy Harjo and Stephen Strom’s collaborative 1989 book of poetry and photography, “Secrets from the Center of the World.” NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

The Patagonia High School English classes under the direction of their instructor, Journee Hayes, will perform original poetry inspired by An American Sunrise, along with the winners of the PRT’s middle and high school poetry contest. Open to all lovers, readers, and practitioners of the spoken and written word. Members of the community are highly encouraged to share their own or someone else’s poetry. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Expert potter, Martha Kelly, will instruct students on how to identify and collect natural clay from our area and help them to create one of a kind pottery pieces. Workshops include instruction on natural glazing techniques as well as traditional firing methods. Workshop #1 on December 11 will detail pottery-making, Workshop #2 on December 18 will be glazing and firing. This series of workshops will be available to Patagonia students and area adults. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.