For Ava Katz and Karen Leigh, it all began with a Facebook post.
Katz, who had recently discovered a passion for poetry, was looking for other writers to connect with. After attending a poetry gathering in Saint-Henri last year, she began thinking about how something similar could happen closer to home on the West Island.
She took to social media to see if anyone was interested.
Leigh, an experienced magazine writer who has also produced a few literary and cultural events in the past, was touched by the young woman’s earnestness and reached out. A few conversations later, the unlikely pair found themselves co-producing a poetry open mic at Studio 77 in Pointe-Claire.
Despite the generation gap, the two quickly found some common ground.
"The love of poetry and the arts, and the desire to build a community around poetry," Katz says of what brought them together.
For Katz, poetry is more than a creative outlet. It's an opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings that might otherwise go unexamined.
"There are fewer words with poetry as compared to prose, so every word is impactful and meaningful."
The two also share a belief that creative expression shouldn't be limited to experienced writers or performers.
Katz recently heard from someone who wanted to participate in the Studio 77 event but had never performed before. Her response was simple: Just give it a try.
"I mean, it's kind of funny because I don’t have a lot of experience doing this either; I just want to create a space where experienced poets and performers and those just starting can come together."
Leigh agrees. Having organized similar events, she believes everyone deserves an opportunity to share their work in a welcoming environment.
And if all goes well, this could be just the beginning.
"My hopes are that this isn't only a single event. I hope we can continue and reach more performers and have a community that gathers regularly to share their poems."
The Poetry Open Mic takes place Friday, October 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Studio 77, 271 Lakeshore Road, Pointe-Claire. Everyone is welcome to attend or perform.
