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Poetry Workshops
A FREE Building Bridges with Music program that utilizes artist residency to bring award-winning Detroit spoken word poets to Northern Michigan to teach writing workshops. Peace Bell and Joel Fluent Greene have taught poetry workshops at West Middle School, Central High School, Suttons Bay, and Buckley Schools.
What do our workshops look like?
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We come to you for one class period. Two poets, one mission.
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Each poet can take one classroom during the same block, or we can divide one classroom into two for smaller workshops.
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Students are guided through a basic structure of poetry, brainstorm ideas for topics, and then they write. And share if they feel comfortable.
Why poetry? Poetry…
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Provides an outlet to process, feel, and think through writing
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Grants freedom to run wild with thoughts
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Promotes self-awareness, empathy, compassion, and open-mindedness
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Calms the mind and body
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Builds self-confidence
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Builds literacy
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Encourages play
Meet our Poets:​
PEACE Bell is a two-time Recording Artist, two-time Grand Slam Champion, and lover of all things music. A lead writer-in residence with Inside Out Literary Arts and performance poet that continues to inspire crowds with her energetic wordplay, she uses the (h)e(art) of writing to facilitate workshops that empower youth to dis-cover their creative voices. Her current projects include writing in preparation for publishing her book entitled, "If I Were a Writer", and touring throughout the country. With a name that encapsulates her spirit, and with her warm, soft-spoken yet powerful tone, she captivates the attention of anyone fortunate enough to be in her presence.
From authoring books, to hip hop, to hosting Detroit’s iconic Cafe' Mahogany poetry nights, to Detroit Lions commercials, Joel is an artistic force to be reckoned with. With his warm energy and down-to-earth vibe, he has an effortless way of facilitating safe spaces for students to sit with and process their feelings through creative writing. When he was asked about his passion for sharing poetry with students, he said: “I love being the kind of person I needed when I was in school, and I love sharing this powerful tool that students have at their fingertips to build confidence, think critically, and be heard. Putting a thought down on paper is a beautiful thing.” By the number of students lined up to get his autograph after his workshops, what he does with (and for) youth, works.