Join the Benzie Area Historical Society Museum and the Oliver Arts Center as they open ARTiFACTORY 2025, the place where poetry meets history. Through the power of poetry, we will explore history and find meaning as we uncover new personal truths.

Register for this introductory class on the basics of how to write a poem at the Oliver Art Center (March 15th from 9:30 am to 11:30 am), then head over to the Benzie Area Historical Society Museum at 12:30 pm to explore the exhibits (March 15 afternoon). After a brief tour, choose an artifact that calls to you, and that matters to you. You will start writing your poem inspired by your selected artifact. After the museum session, you will have a few days to finish your poem.

Your original poem will be published in the official ARTiFACTORY 2025 chapbook, and you will be invited to read your poem at a reception (April 26) at the Oliver Art Center when the poetry exhibition is launched. ARTiFACTORY 2025 offers an inclusive platform for poets of all ages in our community to have an opportunity to have their poems published and to read their work at the opening reception.

Cost for poetry class, handouts, National Poetry Month poster, museum tour, one chapbook, and reception: $ 25.00. There is no cost for those under 18. (Students please register under the ARTiFACTORY Student Class listing.)

Note this is a two-part class. Bring a bag lunch to eat after the first session, or grab lunch on your own and join us at the Historical Society at 12:30pm for part two!