David Stones, the former chair of the Stratford Perth Museum and a celebrated Canadian poet is a featured poet at the Summertime Poetry Soiree.
The event, on Saturday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the museum, aims to attract poetry enthusiasts and writers, featuring both open mic sessions and performances from various poets, including Stones.
“We’re hoping to attract members of the public who have an interest in poetry, in addition to, of course, the actual artists themselves, those who write poetry. There will also be open poetry sessions where members of the public can go to the mic and perform their art,” Stones said.
Stones shared his lifelong passion for writing, tracing it back to a short story contest he won in fourth grade.
He described his writing process as often inspired by observations or incidents.
A significant influence on his poetry was his family’s emigration from England to Canada.
“I ended up so many years later, writing a poem about that called Passage. Which is about changes in life, and how we move from one phase of our existence on Earth to another.” Stones said.
As the former chair, Stones highlighted the museum’s efforts to engage the community through strategic, mission-based events.
These include a series on menopause and the upcoming poetry soiree, which serve to draw people to the museum and foster community involvement.
The poetry soiree is expected to feature 20 to 30 poets, including seven feature poets, and will welcome both seasoned poets and newcomers.
Stones encouraged anyone interested in poetry to attend and possibly share their work.
