ARTiFACTORY 2024 will begin with a short class on the basics of poetry writing, led by poet and teacher Steven Veatch on Saturday, March 23 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am at the Art Center. After the class, participants will head to the Benzie Area Historical Society Museum in Benzonia to explore the historical artifacts on display and select an item from the collection that inspires them to create an original poem. Students will submit a photo of their chosen artifact and the poem they created to the Oliver Art Center by April 15. The poems will be published in a keepsake chapbook and will be exhibited with the artifacts at the gallery beginning April 26. The exhibit will include a guest reception and live readings of the poems.

The $25 course fee includes class, handouts, a National Poetry Month poster, museum tour, one chapbook, and admission to the reception event. Art Center members receive a 10% discount. The program is free to students 18 years and under. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch and a writing instrument.

Register through the Oliver Art Center website: www.oliverart.org