Hazy Acres

For eight months myself and three other local Knoxville artists (Bean Gast, John Moses, Tolo Quiggle) have been creating, organizing, and managing two community events in Knoxville, TN. One, our now very well attended POET, which occurs the third Wednesday every month, at Hummingbird Apothecary’s south location. The other, a monthly poetry workshop where we explore different themes, write together, and share. 

We have witnessed a gathering of folks, each month, sitting in front of a supportive and curious crowd, as they read their poetry exposing the depths of who they are. While also discovering an interest in writing. We have heard from many on how this experience has motivated them to come out and share, and challenge themselves to be more creative. When the four of us sat down and developed this idea, the hope that creativity would find more people and create a space where they felt safe and seen, was at the center of our interests, not only as Artists, but as Humans. 

I am really proud of my partners and the community we have seen evolve thus far. It takes a lot of courage to not only write, privately, but to further expand into a space with others, and trust that there too, you can express, and be yourself. 

We welcome all people, as long as their intentions are kind, and they are willing participants, as we are as well. 

I am excited to continue this work as it continues to reveal brand new pathways for poetry, writing, and artistic expansion. There is a difference between creating in solitude and creating in community, it is true. 

I believe the time in solitude is where you learn about yourself and explore the depths of your history and the markers it has left. In community, it all becomes blurry if you allow yourself to be a humble witness to others, acting in service to them and being present for them. We grow in both spaces, while allowing each to feed the other.