Fox Lake hopes poetry slam helps ignite cultural movement downtown
As part of a villagewide effort to draw people downtown through the arts, Fox Lake on Thursday is hosting its first Poetry Slam at Studio 25 Arts Creation.
The event, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at the studio, 5 Nippersink Blvd., will bring together writers from high school age and up to speak or perform. Material can include original works or pieces by another artist.
The idea for the event began to bubble about a year ago after Fox Lake Community Development Director Donovan Day and Village Trustee Brian Marr attended a Northern Illinois University seminar about building a creative local economy by tapping into the local art scene.
Day has a long-held belief that local art is essential. He said it helps people get a feel for the unique features of their community.
Marr echoed those sentiments. He sees the poetry slam as an opportunity to start creating a culture that will grow the town, making it a place people want to live and visit.
“One of the NIU speakers was a lady who placed original murals and paintings in empty storefronts to give derelict areas a ‘lived-in' look,” Marr said. “It served to move the area forward. In fact, one building painted like an ice cream shop became one.
“(We discussed) the empty storefronts (in) Fox Lake and brainstormed the possibilities of what we could do with this town,” he added.
Like most events, Day and Marr said this one began with nervous energy. The more they discussed it with others, the more traction it gained.
Around the same time, Amanda Munsen, owner of the town's new Studio 25 Art Creations, went to village leaders and asked about their interest in an open mic or comedy event. Her willingness to donate her space for the poetry slam was the event's linchpin.
“This will bring life to the culture around here,” said Munsen, who hopes to make the poetry slam a monthly event. “It's meant to be a comfortable, supportive group where one can speak about anything. It's another form of art, an outlet to express oneself and get out what you are feeling. I think the uniqueness of this will be a cool experience once we get it going.”
Organizers understand it may take a few times for people to feel comfortable enough to perform. Marr attended a similar event in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where a father read a letter to his daughters who had just moved out.
Marr found the reading moving “and cool,” and felt a connection.
“There can be some powerful messages,” Day added.
Nonalcoholic beverages and snacks will be available for sale at the event, and because Munsen's business holds a BYOB liquor license, anyone over 21 can bring in wine or beer.
For the first event, the planners hope to have at least 15 performers and would like to fill the house. However, Marr said he has “no real expectations.”
“I am just excited that this is finally coming to be. But like an expectant parent, I look forward to having the opportunity to see it come to fruition, and hope for the best,” he said.