Help Young Voices Be Heard

By LAURIE BORST

Published: Apr 20, 2007 12:00 am

Four Newtown High School poets will perform at the Buttonwood Tree in Middletown. One Word/CT Youth Poetry is hosting an Art and Poetry Open House on Sunday, April 29, from 1 to 4 pm. Haley Keane, Alexandra Hart, Emily Oliver, and Emma McHugh will read their poetry at this fundraising event.

Proceeds from the event will help sponsor the CT Youth Poetry Teamâs participation in Brave New Voices to be held in San Jose, Calif., July 17â22. Brave New Voices is sponsored by Youth Speaks, an organization that works to give young people a voice.

Along with food, soft drinks, and poetry, the young artists will offer many items for sale. All items are handmade or designed by members of the team. Items include: paintings, photography, knitted bags/hand-sewn items, photo/haiku cards, custom-designed scarves and jewelry, monogrammed tote bags, a one weeks pass to YPI â a summer arts camp in Connecticut â and many services, e.g., dog washing, tattoo design, kayak ecotours, personal training, and babysitting.

Youth Speaks, founded in 1996, encourages young artists through school-based residencies, after-school workshops, summer writing camp, youth conferences, and professional development and instructional tools. To learn more about this group, visit youthspeaks.org.

For information and directions to Buttonwood Tree, visit buttonwood.org. For information on the CT Youth Poetry Team or to make a donation to the group, email Elizabeth at upwordspoetry@earthlink.net.

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