Poet Ann Gengarelly and visual artist Tony Gengarelly invite young people, ages 9-14, to bring their creativity to a poetry-writing and artmaking workshop at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC) on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m.

For 25 years, the Gengarellys have combined their literary and visual art experience in workshops for children and adults. During the BMAC workshop, Ann—who directs The Poetry Studio in Marlboro, Vermont—will offer a theme, and participants will be encouraged to explore the museum’s exhibitions as a way to discover their own inspiration for writing. Tony will facilitate illustration and bookmaking activities to further enhance the poetry created by each participant. All materials will be provided.

Admission is $10 and free for BMAC members. Space is limited, so registration is required. Register at brattleboromuseum.org or by calling 802-257-0124 x101.

According to Ann, everyone has poetry inside them that should be heard. The act of calling up authentic voices—witnessing the self and others—helps develop compassion and empathy. The Poetry Studio offers after-school programs and summer workshops for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, featuring poetry, visual art, and bookmaking with a focus on the natural world. Since 2002, Ann has also taught creative writing classes for adults.

Tony is a professor emeritus at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. He has taught American civilization, western art history, literature, political science, modern and decorative art, and museum studies.

Brattleboro Museum & Art Center

Founded in 1972, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center presents rotating exhibits of contemporary art, complemented by lectures, artist talks, film screenings, and other public programs. BMAC is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10-4. Admission is free, courtesy of M&T Bank. Located in historic Union Station in downtown Brattleboro, at the intersection of Main Street and Routes 119 and 142, the museum is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 802-257-0124 or visit brattleboromuseum.org.

BMAC is supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by Brattleboro Savings & Loan, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters, and Whetstone Beer Co.