Persona Poetry Workshop

A writing workshop with CT Poet Elizabeth Thomas

Persona poems are written from the perspective of someone or something else—a historical figure, an animal, a personified object, a fictional character, someone in a photo—using "I" to give voice and understanding to a different being and inspire exploration into emotions, ideas, possibilities and experiences beyond the poet's own.

Using AMP’s extraordinary mural as muse, participants are invited to stretch their imaginations and explore the potential of others. We’ll warm-up with a viewing/discussion of three incredible examples of persona poetry to help inspire our writing and our pens, and then dive into writing our own pieces. There will be time at the end for sharing out loud.

Registration fee includes the workshop and admission to AMP. Participants are invited to tour the exhibit before or after the workshop. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided, and participants are free to bring their own beverage and food if desired. Please bring a pen/pencil and notebook.

Elizabeth Thomas

Elizabeth Thomas is a published writer, performer and educator who designs and teaches creative writing programs for all ages. The author of two poetry collections and a book on writing, she has been an outstanding advocate of youth in the arts, she is a Master Teaching Artist for The Bushnell and has presented workshops for Capitol Region Educational Council, New England Association of Teachers of English, Florida and Georgia Teacher’s Council, Florida Literacy Coalition and taught Poetry as Theater in United Arab Emirates. For many years, Elizabeth served as coach and organizer with Brave New Voices: International Youth Poetry Slam and Festival.

About the Mural Gallery at AMP

AMP’s spacious mural gallery, set in a renovated historic mill building, combines industrial charm with a distinctive artistic atmosphere. Its centerpiece is the incredible indoor mural—120 feet long and five stories high—that celebrates American workers on a grand scale.

With the mural as the backdrop to the workshop—and three levels for viewing and reflecting—you'll have a rare opportunity to write in a space that honors creativity, work, and the stories that shape us.