Introduction to Visual Poetry with Michael Orr
Schedule
Sat Aug 16 2025 at 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
3498 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Scottdale, GA, United States, Georgia 30079 | Scottdale, GA
What the Heck is Visual Poetry? Basically, it includes any poetic form where visual elements dominate. Visual poetry is a style of poetry that incorporates graphic and visual design elements to convey its meaning. This style combines visual art and written expression to create new ways of presenting and interpreting poetry. Visual poetry focuses on playing with form, which means it often takes on various art styles. These styles can range from altering the structure of the words on the page to adding other kinds of media to change the poem itself. Some forms of visual poetry may retain their narrative structure, but this is not a requirement of visual poetry. Some visual poets create more abstract works that steer away from linguistic meaning and instead focus heavily on the composition of words and letters to create a visually pleasing piece. You can incorporate drawings, symbols, collage, or abstract designs alongside text. See also: Concrete poetry and Asemic writing.
This 4-hour workshop is taught by Michael Orr. Guests will need to be there for the beginning, but don’t have to stay the whole time. Michael will start by going over different techniques: collage, dry transfer, paper reconstructions, rubber stamping, etc. If you write poetry, bring your journal or sketchbook. You may have something that you want to turn into a graphic.
We have plenty of supplies, but feel free to bring your own (collage materials, rubber stamps, alphabet/text-based stickers/stencils, letreset dry transfer sheets, and typewriters).
Who the Heck is Michael Orr?
Michael Orr (https://michaelorr.org/) is an intermedia artist from Atlanta, Georgia(Clarkston). Michael's work encompasses visual poetry, illustration, collage, conceptual, performance, and visual arts. Michael's interests include consciousness, poker, magic, and non-human intelligence. Michael has been working at Emory University for 25 years, where he is a laboratory manager & technician.
What the Heck do you need to know:
The workshop will take place outdoors under the pavilion. If the weather is too yucky, we will move indoors to the front gallery.
Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. (collage materials, rubber stamps, alphabet/text-based stickers/stencils, letreset dry transfer sheets, and typewriters.)
The suggested donation is $20 to $30, but pay what you can. 70% goes to Michael Orr, the instructor, and 30% to Heck.house.
Limited to 10 spots. Signing up is required by clicking "Buy Ticket." Put zero if you would rather donate in person at the workshop. https://www.heck.house/event-details/introduction-to-visual-poetry-with-michael-orr
Payment can be made online or in person. Online payment can be purchased via "Buy Tickets" OR with Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, and Paypal here: www.heck.house/donate. Please make a note that it is for visual poetry.
Parking is on one side of Milton Street, the cross street that the driveway is located on.
Snacks and drinks will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Wheelchair friendly. Please let us know ahead of time by emailing Paula at [email protected]
For ages 12 and over.
All genders and non-genders are welcome.
Any questions or concerns? Please email Paula (exe dir at Heck) at [email protected] or Michael Orr (host) at [email protected]
