Writing the Seasons with Bo Mackison

At the beginning of each season, we'll gather as a small group to play with words, take photographs, create mandalas, and write poetry or mini-essays. Take one session or register for all four! These seasonal workshops are suitable for beginners through advanced writers. All are welcome!

WORDS: We'll take advantage of the many spaces found on the Write On campus as we play with and explore nature-focused and seasonal words. We'll explore several kinds of poetry — magnetic tile poetry, collaborative poetry, and poetry using found words. You don't need to consider yourself a writer to enjoy these practices, but anyone with an established writing practice will surely delight in them. 

VISION: We'll explore the practice of Contemplative Photography with an introductory lesson focusing on each season's color palette, patterns, and textures. (All types of camera and skill levels are acceptable, but a cell phone camera is the perfect companion for this practice.) Back at the writing center, you'll choose a favorite photograph and use it as your prompt to write either a poem or mini-essay.

PLACE: At the end of each workshop, you'll create a simple, season-inspired mandala using basic art supplies. Add words to your mandala to create a striking visual memento of the season. When each four-hour workshop is completed, you will have written several poems or mini-essays using playful prompts; created a poem of mini-essay inspired by one of your contemplative photographs; created a seasonal mandala featuring words you generate during the workshop.

Class meets in person, Tuesdays, July 8, October 7, January 6, and April 7, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Class size: minimum 5, maximum 12.

Member discount: Members of Write On receive a 10% discount on all classes and workshops. To become a member, please click here. To receive the discount, members must log in to the website using their unique password and enter member10 in the promotion code box. The code is case sensitive.

Teaching Artist: Bo Mackison is an artist, poet, photographer, certified Kaisen-Muse creativity coach, Nalanda Miksang photography instructor, and hands-on workshop instructor. She is the founder of Contemplative Creatives Journey, an online seasonal workshop that offers poetry, photography, and mandala-making in a welcoming and supportive environment. Bo has been offering workshops since 2014.