Join us for a vibrant afternoon of rhythm and verse as we welcome a cornerstone of the Connecticut poetry scene, Mark McGuire-Schwartz, the Poet Laureate of Guilford.
About Our Featured Guest
Unanimously appointed as Poet Laureate by the Guilford Board of Selectmen in 2024, Mark McGuire-Schwartz is a poet, educator, and arts advocate who believes poetry possesses the unique potential to "save the world."
Mark is the inventor of the "Seventeen"—a compelling new poetic form showcased in his book 289, a book of 17s. His creative reach extends across drama and prose, with works including the chapbook Loss and Laughs, Love and Fauna, the collection Attic Chest, and the play Meeting Arthur Miller, which was featured in the International Festival of Arts and Ideas.
With an MFA from Southern Connecticut State University and a career dedicated to the arts—including roles as the Co-President of the Guilford Poets Guild and Co-Director of the Poetry Institute-New Haven—Mark brings a wealth of experience and a famously witty perspective to the stage. His work has appeared in numerous literary journals, the Connecticut Law Journal, and, famously, "on the bottoms of rocks." Known for his belief that laughter is a gift to be shared, Mark’s readings are as intellectually stimulating as they are delightfully eccentric.
About the Event
VSG's Second Sunday Poetry and Music takes place every second Sunday at the Gallery. Renowned poets and local talents alike find a platform for their poetry, prose, spoken word, and acoustic performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and expression.
By hosting these events, VSG aims to foster a sense of community and promote the art of poetry in Southbury and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned poet, an aspiring writer, a storyteller, or simply a lover of the spoken word, mark your calendar for our open mic afternoons.
Format:
Featured Reading: Mark McGuire-Schwartz
Open Mic: Followed by an open platform for local poets and acoustic musicians.
Admission: Free and open to the public (Suggested Donation).