In Walsall, local poets have collaborated with Walsall Society of Artists to stage a 5 week-long exhibition of poetry based on art.  They have been assisted by students from Walsall College plus volunteers from One Walsall.    

The exhibition, called Creative Walsall, is completely free to attend and is at The Crossing at St Paul`s in Darwall Street, Walsall.   "It`s a joint collaboration" said David McGuire (pictured), Chair of Walsall Society of Artists "with local poets.  It`s intended to be a platform for all forms of creativity in the Walsall area for people to work, perform and create together.  It`s absolutely free to enter and we plan to put Walsall on the map".  

Walsall poets have been working with the artists to create a body of new work based on the art in the exhibition at The Crossing.  The celebrations for National Poetry Day will take place on Saturday 7th October between 10 - 2pm and is completely free.  It will be hosted by local published poet Mark Ingram.    

Also performing spoken word on the day is Russell Smith, Brendan Hawthorne, Keith Gwilliams, Paul McDonald, Mel Wardle-Woodend, AlBarz,  Bones, Kate Gilbert, Ajay Pall, Mickey Angel, Steven C Davies, Laura Jane Round, Andy Summers, Phil Buckley  and Laura Liptrot.  Poetry workshops will be run by Sara Meredith and Tina J Cox  with music by So It Goes and Walsall band Dog Town Jack.  

  "National Poetry Day demonstrates the importance of poetry and the value that poetry adds to society" said Walsall poet Ian Henery.  "National Poetry Day breaks down the misconceptions that poetry is outdated and inaccessible and starts conversations about old and new poems plus the way poems make us feel.  The aim is to encourage everyone to get stuck in and use the power of words for change."  

Walsall Society of Artists is non-profit making and is organised for charitable purposes with the aim of advancing education and community art for the people of Walsall and surrounding regions.   The Crossing, housed in a Grade II listed Victorian church, is an exemplary example of creating a  new life and role for a Christian building.  "The Crossing" refers to the meeting point of church and community as well as to the crossing over from death to new life in Jesus which is at the heart of the Christian faith.  

Photo Credit - Phil Buckley  David McGuire at The Crossing