May 3, 2019 – July 31st

 

Experience the language and light of six local poets: J. Joy Matthews Alford Sistah Joy, Sylvia Dianne Beverly, Ladi Di, Diane Wilbon Parks, Edgar Gabriel Silex, Samantha Jackson and Forestine Bynum.

Organized by Hiram Larew, the Poetry Poster Project is a PGAHC grant-funded project exploring universal themes by way of poetry that embodies elegance and fervor. J. Joy Matthews Alford, Sistah Joy has authored three collections of poetry, and is producer and host of the County’s poetry-based cable TV show, Sojourn with Words, now in its 11th year. Sylvia Dianne Beverly, Ladi Di is an internationally acclaimed poet and author, who has work featured within George Washington University’s Gelman Library. Diane Wilbon Parks is an U.S. Air Force Veteran, whose poetry is rich with visual imagery, unique observations and perspectives about life, love, and longing; self-empowerment, and relationships. Edgar Gabriel Silex offers his Native American voice to the rich poetry community in the County and the recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Maryland State Arts Council. Samantha Jackson is the 2017 Youth Poet Laureate for Prince George’s County, Maryland. Samantha, or Yellow, as she is informally referred to, is a huge advocate for self-care, mental health, youth art and empowerment. Forestine Bynum, a longstanding poetry force in the County, received of an Individual Arts grant from the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council 2005, and published Echoes, a collection of poems featuring 51 local poets.

Each poet creates distinct images and provokes thoughts that can continue to be revisited. From words on how to live and love, to remembering sounds and the sweetest of tastes, the Poetry Poster Project covers white space with black letters, appealing to all five senses. Join us as we highlight poetry of Prince George’s County! Curated by PGAAMCC Executive Director Monica Montgomery, the exhibition creates a beautiful cohesion with contemporary art exhibition, Catharisis: Spirit Leaves A Mark by Vanessa Williams, also on display.
On June 1, PGAAMCC hosts a reading and reception for these six featured poets. We are proud to announce that the Poetry Poster Project was installed on May 3, 2019 and will be up until July 31st. Upon de-installation, the Poetry Poster Project will remain in PGAAMCC’s archives.

 

Exhibition Opening Photo Gallery