Poems for Chicago: Drawing as Poetry

Part of Poems for Chicago, this family-friendly workshop invites kids and adults to create sketches as visual poems to the city. Through drawing, participants will explore how a few lines, shapes, and details can capture a feeling, memory, or moment in Chicago, much like a poem does with words.

Led by Thomas Kelley, practicing architect and Partner at Norman Kelley, the workshop begins with simple, accessible sketching prompts and a live drawing demonstration. No prior drawing experience is needed; the focus is on observation, imagination, and personal expression.

While sketching—and in moments of pause—we’ll read and discuss a small selection of Chicago poems, using them as inspiration to reflect on the relationship between architecture, place, and lived experience. Guided by Sarah Herda, author and Co-Chair of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, participants will consider how poets and architects alike use form, rhythm, and imagery to describe the city.

We’ll close by adding our drawings to the Poems for Chicago community wall, building a growing, shared portrait of the city through many voices and viewpoints.

Materials provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Poems for Chicago is an intimate, public-facing exhibition and participation installation that uses poetry as a way of seeing the city.

Visitors are invited to add their own poem, message, or sketch to Chicago, contributing to a growing, collective portrait of the city.

Write or draw a poem to Chicago. What would you say to the city if you could speak directly to it?

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Host or Publisher Chicago Architecture Biennial