The San Diego Art Institute (SDAI) is pleased to host the next Poetry & Art event on Saturday, June 11th. Poetry & Art Series 2016 presents contributing authors from the 2016 San Diego Poetry Annual (SDPA) and Pushcart-nominated poet, Rich Ferguson (right). People’s Choice Poem Awards follow featured readings and performances. DJ Gill Sotu, Francisco Bustos (of Pancholetras) and SDPA editor Bill Harding provide music and sound throughout the show. This interactive arts and culture experience will include beverages, snacks and plenty of time to mingle.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.
Members are free, nonmembers \$5 at the door. Bring a snack or beverage to share, and get in free!

Judy Reeves, Chris Vannoy, Jon Wesick, Suzanne O'Connell, Ron Salisbury, Sharon Elise, Sonia Guiterrez, and Harry Griswold will read their selected poems from SDPA 2016. Garden Oak Press publishes the San Diego Poetry Annual in association with the San Diego Entertainment & Arts Guild (SDEAG), a 501(c)(3) local arts non-profit.

William Harry Harding is editor. SDPA is part of the permanent collection of every college and university in the region. Pushcart-nominated poet Rich Ferguson has shared the stage with Patti Smith, Wanda Coleman, T.C. Boyle, Bob Holman, and many other esteemed poets and musicians. His poetry collection 8th & Agony has been published by LA’s Punk Hostage Press, and his debut novel, New Jersey Me, will be published by Rare Bird Lit in September, 2016.

The People’s Choice Poem Performance Awards – Participants read/perform one poem under three minutes long. Audience members choose (by secret ballot) their favorite poem based on content and performance. Props, artwork, singing, music, dancing, all accompaniment is allowed and anything goes. Top poem performances (the poems that receive the most votes) win \$50. Audience members will be encouraged to hoot for their favorites and try to influence the rest of the audience.

Writers/artists who would like to participate in the People’s Choice Poem Performance Awards can get their names in the hat ahead of time at mkklam\@gmail.com or text 619-957-3264. It is a good idea to sign up early by email or text message as space and time are limited!

Co-sponsor Poetry International is an annual literary journal published by SDSU with Ilya Kaminsky as editor-in-chief. Additional support and sponsorship by San Diego Entertainment & Arts Guild and Puna Press. Please contact host Michael Klam with any questions: 619-957-3264 (cell).

This exhibition is sponsored by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.