One City, One Poet 2021 celebrates the poetry of Ursula K. Le Guin. Widely admired for her science fiction writing, Le Guin also has a robust and brilliant body of work as a poet. Her life and poetry are the inspiration for this year’s events, installations, speculations, and explorations.

EVENT Schedule

Masks and social distancing are required at all in-person events.

Poetry Discussion—Ursula K. Le Guin
7 p.m. • April 12 • Zoom • Free

Join us via Zoom to discuss two poems written by Ursula K. Le Guin. We'll spend some time with "A Cento of Scientists" and "Inventory." Details and registration on Eventbrite.

Poetry Writing Workshop with Marty McConnell
April 26 • Zoom • Donation

Join Marty McConnell, award-winning author, poet, performer, and educator, as she leads us in exploring the concept of emergence. This event is a fundraiser for the New Sanctuary Coalition. 100% of collected donations will be sent to the NSC. Contribute what you can to this worthy and resourceful organization. Donate and get tickets on Eventbrite.

Latin Hip Hop as a New Poetry
7 p.m. • April 28 • Virtual • Free

Latin hip hop artists are advancing the poetic traditions of their countries in new and unique ways. Join Catalina Maria Johnson, a Chicago music journalist, to discover this new poetry style. This program is offered through the Woodstock Public Library. Details and registration here.

Poetry and Wellness—Sound Bath Meditation and Exploratory Writing
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • May 2 • Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, Woodstock • $18

A restorative outdoor experience incorporating poetry, sound-bath mediation, and a guided discussion about tapping into your creativity. Spaces are limited. Get tickets on Eventbrite.

Art in Orbit—Poetry and Art Walk
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 15 • Woodstock Square • Free

Join us on the Woodstock Square for a free outdoor art walk. Local artists and creators will display and sell work inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin.

Featuring work by:

Mary Sweeny
Instagram: @horror_floral

Carla Leikam at Badbirdart
https://www.facebook.com/badbirdart/

Kathie Collinson at Collinson Fine Art
https://www.facebook.com/KcollinsonArt/

Jenny Mathews
https://jennymmathews.com/
Instagram: @jenny1396

Also featuring a selection of photography from Elgin-based photographers.

Poetry Picnic Finale Party
3 p.m. • May 15 • Woodstock Square • Free

Join us as we celebrate One City, One Poet with a poetry picnic at the park inside the Woodstock Square. Readings, performances, food, and poet-friends! Details are on Facebook.

other activities

Activities will be available in mid-April, unless otherwise noted.

Postcards to the Future
Look for our futuristic mailboxes on the Woodstock Square and in the library. Write your own poetic postcard to the future and drop it in the box. We’ll share the postcards on social media and at our poetry picnic.

Poetry Walks
Read some poems on your next walk around Woodstock. Look for QR codes in Donato Conservation Area. Scan the codes to read some of Ursula K. Le Guin’s nature poems. At Emricson Park, read a single poem on a series of signs around the walking path. In the Woodstock Square, you’ll find poems on posters in shop windows.

Activity Kits for Kids
Kids can explore Ursula K. Le Guin’s poetry and their own creativity with take-home activity kits from the Woodstock Public Library. Available while supplies last.