STARability Foundation is thrilled to partner with United Arts Collier to offer a creative writing workshop for its participants. Led by Kathryn Ekblad, this new weekly class offers exploration into varying forms of self-expression through writing.
This innovative program gives STARability participants the opportunity to explore rich, yet manageably sized, texts aimed at inspiring their own creativity. Participants read the engaging, poetry-based works, before immediately creating their own completely original work modeled after either the form, style or subject matter of a given text. Participants then participate in a discussion that honors and nurtures each person’s thought process and creative instruction. The goal of every exercise is to highlight the uniqueness of each individual and allow a platform for their self-discovery.
“Our STARs have benefitted greatly and truly enjoyed participating in the creative writing class through this new partnership with United Arts Collier,” said Madison Nehls, chief program officer at STARability Foundation. “Creative Expression inspires imagination and originality, participating in a form of artistic expression and invention in which our STARs feel proud of the work they are creating. As a new class offering for our participants, the sessions have been invaluable and productive. Each of the participants were able to create beautiful poems and stories to share with their friends and family. We are excited to see this partnership blossom and discover what our STARs are able to accomplish.”
As a Naples-based poet and dramatic writer, Ekblad earned her master of fine arts in creative writing from the City College of New York and currently teaches English and creative writing at Keiser University. Her awards include the Cuirt International New Writing Award in poetry, the David Dortort Award for dramatic writing and the Alice Stark Award for dramatic writing. Ekblad’s debut collection of poetry, Single Bullet Theory, is forthcoming with Salmon Poetry.
“To be able to provide literary arts programming to the residents of Collier County has been a major goal for United Arts Collier,” said Rachel Lord, education and grants manager at UAC. “Through our incredible partnership with STARability Foundation, where participants gained knowledge of poetic form, structure and expressing their unique voice, we are able to promote and foster a literary arts community here in Naples.”
United Arts Collier works tirelessly to enrich the lives of our residents and visitors alike through arts education, exhibitions, performances, community outreach programs, special events, and so much more. Learn more at unitedartscollier.org.
