Lodestar Poetry Gathering

Join us for an evening of poetry inspired by Lisa Hirmer’s artwork Lodestar on the Lassonde Art Trail. The title Lodestar refers to a guiding star: an orienting device that is both a literal point of navigation and a metaphor for a guiding principle. Drawing on these elements, this poetry gathering orients us towards the theme of 'Home'. Facilitated by Laboni Islam and planned in collaboration with Lisa Hirmer, this poetry evening invites participants to reflect on notions of home. Participants will visit a number of the Lassonde Art Trail’s artworks during the program, participate in dialogue, and write in response to generative poetry prompts. Stretching from afternoon to sunset, this gathering will begin with a reading of Lodestar by artist Lisa Hirmer and conclude with a fireside poetry reading where participants will have the opportunity to share their writing in community with others. Sculptures and installations will serve as points of inspiration, encouraging participants to consider the relationship between art, nature, water, and city, and self. while expanding their approach to poetry. No previous poetry or writing experience is required. Please bring: A pen or pencil A notebook in which to write (a hard cover is helpful) Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing Your curiosity and creativity ABOUT THE ARTISTS Laboni Islam was born in Canada to Bangladeshi parents. She is a member of the League of Canadian Poets. Her poem “Lunar Landing, 1966” was shortlisted for the CBC Poetry Prize (2017). She is the author of the chapbooks Light Years (Baseline Press, 2022) and Trimming the Wick (ignitionpress, 2023). Laboni serves as an arts educator, engaging the young and young at heart in gallery and community spaces. Lisa Hirmer is an interdisciplinary Ontario-based artist committed to exploring the collective nature of being, especially as it relates to human relationships with the environment. Spanning photography, sculpture, and installation in addition to social practices and writing, her recent works grapple with the alarming realities of climate change.