Share and Connect: Writers Workshop

Co-Hosted by Shatriya Smith of the Garvey-Tubman Cultural Arts and Research Center

February 7th 6:30-8pm

Calling all writers! Join us for an evening of creativity, connection, and inspiration at Perspectives! 

Bring a piece of your own work—whether it’s a short story, poem, excerpt, or essay—and share it aloud with fellow writers in a supportive, relaxed environment. 

After an icebreaker exercise and light refreshements, you’ll have 3-5 minutes to present your work, and it’s entirely up to you whether you’d like to receive feedback or simply enjoy the experience of hearing your writing spoken out loud. We’ll end with a reflection worksheet where you’re encouraged to share any thoughts or feelings that arose from your experience.

Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and writing implement to document any ideas or thoughts that may surface during the evening.

This event is designed to give you a fresh perspective on your work, spark new ideas, and foster meaningful connections with other writers in the community. Whether you’re looking to gain insight or just enjoy an evening of literary camaraderie, we invite you to come, share, and be inspired.

What to Bring:

• 3-5 minutes of your own work to share amongst a group
• A notebook/utensil

This is a free event. Please RSVP to secure a space.

112 S. 6th St. Petersburg, Il, 62675

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More About Our Co-Host, Shatriya Smith:

Shatriya is the executive director of Springfield’s Garvey Tubman Cultural Arts and Research Center, which provides services for low income families and young people ages 5-13, such as music classes and entrepreneurial training. Twice recognized as The Illinois Times “Best Of Springfield: Local Living Author’, She is a passionate advocate for community action, educational accessibility, and cultural empowerment. In recent years, she has led poetry recitations of Paul Laurence Dunbar and Amanda Gorman for K-6 students and produced The Underground Railroad Poetry Program, which included monthly workshops, open mics, and field trips. 

Shatriya’s commitment to activism and community shines through with her collaborations with organizations such as: Action Illinois, Resistor Sisters, Illinois Indivisible, Pantsuit Nation, Planned Parenthood, Poor People’s Campaign, Illinois Trans Radical Activist Network, Faith Coalition for the Common Good, Phoenix Center and many others. She uses her voice to speak for those silenced, drawing from her own experiences of being voiceless. Currently observing a 10-day vow of silence, she plans to reflect on this personal choice and share her insights with us. 

She is excited to join Perspectives Art Gallery’s “Share and Connect: Writers Workshop” event, where she looks forward to meeting others that share in the crafting of insightful words, listening to the experiences of others and participating in exceptional expressions.

Shatriya Smith can be reached at:

Ph: 1-217-816-0820

Email: [email protected].

Website: www.garveytubman.com