Foot of the Lake Poetry Collective

HISTORY

Often when poets gather, they begin the conversation by raging against the un-poetic world — politics, school issues, the spouse or significant other, their daily jobs. Yet it doesn’t take long to circle back to what they love most: poetry — how it works, how to write it better, and ultimately how to get the rest of the world to read and listen to the poems they are so passionate about.

This is how it happened with a small group of poets in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Five poets: Sandra Ahrens, Judy Barizonsi, Paula Sergi, John Walser and Mary Wehner met at a coffee shop in 2003 to examine ways to promote poetry as well as support each others’ writing. Inspired by the Laurel Poetry Collective in Minnesota and various other groups around the country they began to combine their visions for promoting poetry in the Fond du Lac area.

Fond du Lac sits on the south end of Lake Winnebago. The lake with its poetic imagery has inspired much of the poetry written by members of the group, thus, “The Foot of the Lake Poetry Collective.”   Membership consists of the original five poets. Area poets, lovers of poetry, book artists, writers of all genres will be able to join by invitation, with each member contributing as much time and money to the effort as possible.

A reading series was developed for the first year and the inaugural reading took place in February 2005 at “The Awarehouse,” a loft space/art gallery. Wine, snacks and an open mic slot brought in a broad and enthusiastic audience.  The Collective is currently presenting their events in partnership with the Windhover Center for the Arts, an equally exciting performance space.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Foot of the Lake Poetry Collective is a group of local poets who have banded together as equal partners to support one another as poets, and to create frequent opportunities for the community to discover what poetry offers. We believe in the synergy of artists working together, and dream freely of the possibilities: readings, workshops, publications and collaborations with other writers and artists.