Workshop: Poetry Portal – Writing Through the Senses with Kat Charles

What is poetry, really? What makes it enjoyable, and how do you begin writing something you could call a poem? How can you use your sensory experiences to create poetry?

This workshop will explore different accessible ways to begin writing a poem by immersing participants into all of their senses. Our main tools will be our senses—our portals to self-expression and connection with others—which we will hone with short writing exercises. Participants will leave the workshop with new writing they can share with their loved ones and new tools to nurture a creative writing practice.

This workshop is offered in English. It is adaptable to the needs and abilities of all participants. Materials to awaken the senses will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own writing or art-making supplies as well. Expect a workshop filled with new experiences, playfulness, joy and the power of creativity. Thanks to the generosity of the Quebec Writers’ Federation, we are able to offer this workshop on a by-donation basis.

About the facilitator

Kathleen Charles is a queer, Haitian songstress and writer based in Tio’tia:ke (Montreal). Their practice is heavily informed by black feminist thought, dystopian literature, decolonisation, and the liberatory nature of traditional Haitian music, dance, and spirituality. Charles has delivered performances for organizations such as Pride Montreal (2018), and Black Theatre Workshop (2021). They were also a part of three iterations of Afro Drag Montreal, which made its world premiere at the UK pride film festival last year (2024).