1. Here’s a detailed outline for Empowering Words: Integrating Poetry and Art:

Course Overview

This course combines the power of poetry and visual art, teaching youth to use words and imagery to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Participants will explore how to integrate text and visuals to create impactful, mixed-media works that amplify their voices. By the end, each student will produce a personal piece blending poetry and art.

Course Structure

Duration: 6 weeks (1-2 sessions per week, 2 hours per session)
Target Audience: Youth ages 12-18
Materials Needed:

• Sketchbooks or journals
• Pens, markers, and calligraphy tools
• Acrylic or watercolor paints
• Canvas, heavy paper, or wood panels
• Collage materials (magazines, printed text, fabric)
• Brushes, palette knives, and sponges

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Exploring Words and Visuals

• Topic: The connection between poetry and art.
• Activities:
  • Analyze examples of works combining poetry and art (e.g., the art of William Blake, graffiti poetry, contemporary typographic art).
  • Icebreaker: Write a short poem or phrase inspired by a visual image (photo or painting).
  • Practice: Experiment with writing words in different styles (block letters, cursive, abstract shapes).

Week 2: Writing for Expression

• Topic: Finding your poetic voice.
• Activities:
  • Writing prompts: “What do I want to say to the world?” or “What does my inner voice sound like?”
  • Share poems in small groups for feedback and encouragement.
  • Start drafting a poem for their final project.

Week 3: Visualizing Words

• Topic: Turning words into imagery.
• Activities:
  • Explore how fonts, colors, and layouts can convey tone and meaning.
  • Practice: Create word art using lines, colors, and textures that reflect the poem’s emotions.
  • Sketch ideas for their final piece, incorporating their poem.

Week 4: Creating Mixed-Media Poetry Art

• Topic: Techniques for combining poetry and art.
• Activities:
  • Experiment with layering techniques:
    • Paint or collage as a background for text.
    • Add handwritten or printed poetry over the artwork.
  • Work on their final project, blending their poem with visual elements.

Week 5: Refining the Message

• Topic: Ensuring clarity and cohesion.
• Activities:
  • Group critique: Share progress and get feedback on how well the visual and textual elements integrate.
  • Refine their pieces, adjusting colors, fonts, and layouts for impact.

Week 6: Final Showcase

• Topic: Sharing personal stories through poetry and art.
• Activities:
  • Complete and present their mixed-media works in a gallery-style setup.
  • Participants read or explain their poems alongside their artwork.
  • Reflection: Discuss how integrating poetry and art deepened their self-expression.

Learning Objectives

• Develop poetic writing skills to express emotions and ideas.
• Learn visual techniques for integrating text with art.
• Explore how words and images together can enhance storytelling.
• Build confidence in presenting personal stories to an audience.

Optional Add-ons

• Collaborate on a group poetry mural.
• Use digital tools (e.g., Canva, Procreate) for creating digital poetry art.
• Partner with a local poetry group or spoken word artist for guest workshops.

Would you like additional prompts, activity details, or suggestions for adapting the course for younger participants?