Be Well: Art, Design & Wellness Series - Paper Trails: Documenting the Self Through Poetry

Join poet Caroline New for an immersive poetry workshop inspired by Stacey Kirby’s The Bureau of Personal Belonging. Open to all levels of experience, this workshop invites participants to examine how the politics of bureaucracy intersect with our lives — and how poetry can serve as both a site of power and resistance. 

Through creative, ekphrastic prompts, participants will discuss how bureaucracy affects our lives and explore how poetry can be used to reflect on these experiences. Attendees will practice turning artwork into written pieces and consider the political aspects of art and writing.Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just beginning to explore poetry, this session offers a welcoming space to discover new approaches to writing and expression.

This workshop is offered in support of the 2025 Roman J. Witt Artist-in-Residence Stacey Kirby’s installation, The Bureau of Personal Belonging. The Bureau utilizes bureaucratic forms, postures, and language in vintage office environments to engage participants and community performers in exploring questions of civil authority.

This workshop is presented in partnership by the Stamps Gallery and the Arts Initiative.

Free and open to the public. All levels welcome. Limited space available; registration required.

Experience Stacey Kirby’s The Bureau of Personal Belonging at her exhibition in the Stamps Gallery, on view September 27 through November 8.