SWERVE N EXTEND: A Spring Poetry Workshop
SWERVE N EXTEND is an intimate and experimental poetry workshop facilitated by Toronto poet Zoe Imani Sharpe and hosted by Melina Sabeti-Mehr. We’ll consider wind (air, breath) as a quality of movement across external and internal landscapes; as sensation and detection; a vector that sculpts space; invisible sounds and patterns that harness our attention toward directionalities of feeling and thinking; a chance to write spiralic momentum and give yourself over to the blur; an equinoctial storm to welcome the Spring equinox and Norooz.
We will present a collaborative* Haft-sin, a traditional altar celebrating Norooz, the New Year. The Haft-sin is a collection of symbolic objects that represent the desires and reflections we carry into the New Year, such as renewal (sprouted lentils), patience (wheat pudding), and happiness (candles).
*Participants are asked to bring an object of transition to include in the Haft-sin during the workshop; the object does not need to relate to the traditional haft-sin in any form, it is for you to represent your own concept of transition or intention that you wish to bring.
Writing prompts, inspired by sound and Black dance practices, may include the work of: Bill T. Jones, RP Boo, Lioness and Queenie, Margaret Christakos, Joanna Brouk, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Khadijah Queen, Clarice Lispector, Justine A. Chambers, as well as various Chicago footworkers (House-O-Matics, Red Legends, The Era).
Expect to read and write together, hang out, and find ways to stay supple and active in times of transition.
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NOTAFLOF, email [email protected] if cost is a barrier. We are happy to offer sliding scale pricing and limited complimentary tickets to our community.
All ticket sales go directly into funding TRIPTYCH programming <3
Persian pastries, snacks, and a variety of teas will be provided.
Please bring your laptop, notebook, or whatever you would like to write with. We will have extra paper and pens.
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Zoe Imani Sharpe is a poet who works across reciprocal forms of education and collaborative projects. She’s contributed poetry, essays and exhibition texts to C Magazine, YYZ Artists’ Outlet, carteblanche, The Capilano Review, and elsewhere. She was the 2023 Poet in Residence at Gallery TPW and teaches at the University of Toronto. Her first book is Figure Eight (Wendy’s Subway, 2026).
Melina Sabeti-Mehr is a curator and writer interested and invested in the well-being of shared and common spaces. Her interests often consider the memory, stories, and archival practices of families and friendships.