PHOTOSTORY

Life in Art

For the first time LBCC has brought together six LBCC student poets and six Oak Creek Correctional Facility student poets for a "Life in Art Project." On Friday, June 3, a celebration was held at the Benton Center, open to the public, where the group read selected poems from the workshop and said their final goodbyes. This term's theme focused on empowerment and self-creation. The group met for five workshops where together they traveled through time . Prompts and exercises focused on reflecting the past, focusing on being present, and envisioning a new future. The project was organized and facilitated by former LBCC student poet laureate Dari Lawrie and led by LBCC English faculty member’s Robin Havenick, Chris Riseley, Jane White and LBCC Benton Center Director Jeff Davis. 

LBCC student poet BreAnna Rae reading her poem "Citalopram and Scratches," to the crowd.
Rae says she was bored with school until she started getting involved with the LBCC poetry community,
being a part of "Life in Art" especially, has been a very rewarding experience for her.
 “Poetry is such a raw form of expression and hearing the girls from
Oak Creek share pieces of their life experiences through poetry has
been shocking in the best way,” said Rae.

LBCC student poet's Shane Stanhope (left) and Matt hoffman during the "Life in Art"
mic check on Friday, June 3. For Stanhope, being a part of this project has helped him reflect his own poetry and realize he wants to be more open with what he shares. "When I freed myself of care, something happened to me," said LBCC  student poet Shane Stanhope. "What I'm experiencing is only growing pains." 

The crowd took a 10 minute interval to chat, fill their drinks,
and grab some cookies before the final readings.

LBCC student poet James Morrison concluded the evening,
"The guilty don't feel guilty, we learned not to," read Morrison.

Extra Photos

LBCC English faculty member Robin Havenick was filled with joy as she thanked
the poets, organizers, guests, and surprised Lawrie and White
with a beautiful appreciation speech and flowers.

Christopher Mikkelson will be
LBCC's new poet laureate, beginning fall term.

LBCC student poet Matt Hoffman.

"Poetry is important to me because I get to express
myself without being judged," said Oak Creek student poet Terace,
before sharing her poems "Grandpa" and "Sisters."

"Never hate someone for what they've
done, but love them for who they are," said Oak Creek
student poet Shaylee.

Robin Havenick (left)
Jane White (middle)
Dari Lawrie (right)

Oak Creek student poet Jameisha.

Robin Havenick and Dari Lawrie (left)

"You would give up too if no-one believed in you,"
from "Changes" by Oak Creek student
poet Makenzie. (right)