In the Marina District of East Toledo, those walking on the grounds of the National Great Lakes Museum have noticed something unusual beneath their feet. Since 2013, four different poems have settled the area with reflections of local poets through an installation onto the concrete walkway. Pedestrians travelling through the area have had the opportunity to explore the local insights of the poets, who revere the significance of the Great Lakes and its contribution to the community.
Developed by The Arts Commission, The Toledo Poetry Sidewalks Project seeks to bring local literary artists into the community in a way that enriches the local aesthetic and invites dialogue between residents. Boosting the appearance of the area not only provides a physical benefit but also draws pedestrian traffic in site-specific locations, extending the availability of art and directly engaging the district through public works.
The success of the Marina District installation has been continued in the developing neighborhood of The Old West End. Collingwood Boulevard has been undergoing infrastructural changes, and The Toledo Poetry Sidewalks is further benefiting the area with the project’s Phase Two. 10 new poems are in the process of being installed on Collingwood between Ashland and Delaware.
In celebration of the program, the poets and the community, a Public Reception and Open Mic was held by Black Kite Coffee from 5:30-7:30pm on Wednesday, November 5. The nine winning artists read their works during the public dedication.
Chosen poems were selected from nearly 80 submissions. The Arts Commission sought short poems in the style of either standard verse formatting or of spatial design which would allow words to interact within the frame. The works are highly emotive and contemplative, and none of them exceed eight lines.
Selected poems received a $150 honorarium for each word. This year's winning submissions came from Gina Sares, Heather Van Doren, Hod Doering, Imelda Hunt, Jonie McIntire, Justin Longacre, Karen Wood, Mark Doss and Melanie Dusseau.
In the words of 2014 selected poet Jonie McIntyre, “Toledo expands with the veins of the pavement.”
5:30-7:30pm, Wednesday, November 5. Black Kite Coffee. 2499 Collingwood Blvd. theartscommission.org.
