In collaboration with the Benzie Area Historical Society, OAC will host the third installment of “ARTiFACTORY: Where Poetry Meets History” event in recognition of National Poetry Month. 

ARTiFACTORY 2025 begins with an introductory class on the basics of poetry writing, led by local poet and teacher Steven Veatch on Saturday, March 15th from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm 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. 

Participants will submit a photo of their chosen artifact and the poem they created to the Oliver Art Center by April 16th. The poems will be published in a keepsake chapbook and will be exhibited with the artifacts at the gallery on April 26th. The exhibit will include a guest reception and live readings of the poems from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. 

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.