UPLIFT: 11th Annual Community Art Show
Want to see a whole collection of art and poetry and film from local artists that just might inspire you to go out and start something good? Including good trouble. Windsor’s 11th Annual Community Art Show, UPLIFT, runs September 5th through November 9th. You can visit the Windsor Art & Heritage Center gallery any Friday-Sunday, noon-4pm.
The show is centered on UPLIFT in all its forms, and Melissa is excited to have her poem, “When the Lilies Start to Bloom,” included in the exhibition. The poem is about finding new beginnings when your first thought might be to give up and is included in Melissa’s debut chapbook, Portrait Lands.
Receptions for UPLIFT are:
September 5th, 5-8pm
October 3rd, 5-8 pm (performances on this night)
FREE to attend/visit.
Poetry Curious
Are you a little curious about finding an outlet for all of the thoughts crowding around in your head? Does the word “poetry” sound too academic or high stakes? This is a super chill, open world for the creative curious—an hour and a half space held every month that starts slow and stays slow and offers opportunities to decide what to do next.
Sessions don’t necessarily build on each other, so join at any time and stop at any time. Every session starts off with questions and ideas about poetry, then moves into a more structured second half where we start writing some thoughts down on paper and see about starting to think about maybe writing a poem. Share if want, keep it quiet if it’s not ready to be said aloud yet. Have some peace.
Creative Colorado Writers Retreat
3rd Annual Creative Colorado Writers Retreat
Melissa is excited to be participating in the 3rd annual Creative Colorado Writers Retreat, presented by Twenty Bellows. This inspiring two-day gathering is designed to ignite creativity, foster community, and support writers at every stage of their journey.
This year's retreat includes:
Poetry and Fiction Workshop Tracks – Focused sessions led by experienced writers to help develop your craft.
“Mirrors”, a poetry workshop by Melissa Mitchell, is on Saturday, 10:10-11:40 AM.
Open Writing Time – Quiet, structured space to make meaningful progress on your work.
Keynote Address by Poet Brice Maiurro – A powerful reflection on writing, process, and creative life from one of Colorado’s leading poetic voices.
Adult Book Fair and Open Mic – Discover work from indie presses around the region and share your own in an open, welcoming space.
Community and Networking Opportunities – Connect with fellow writers, editors, and creatives from across the state.
Whether you're just getting started or deep into a project, this retreat offers the time, structure, and inspiration to move your writing forward.
Top Secret Discount Code (20% off): “Mitchell20”.
Register now to secure your spot.
art-beats: ekphrastic poetry at the Museum of Art
Join us for a free 2-hour poetry workshop and private viewing of the Fort Collins Museum of Art's current exhibition. Facilitated by Fort Collins Poet Laureates, Melissa Mitchell and Ally Eden, we’ll conduct writing exercises based on the exhibition and walk away with new poems. No prior experience necessary! RSVP online at moafc.org.
Spanish interpretation available. ADA accessible.
Attend the First Friday Open Mic poetry reading on September 5, First Friday, to read your poetry and hear others! Submit your poems to be included at the open mic or anthology and receive a free anytime pass for the museum.
Portrait Lands Book Launch Party
Join us for a night of poetry and live music from multiple local artists to celebrate the release of Melissa Mitchell’s debut poetry chapbook, “Portrait Lands”. Melissa will read a selection of new poetry and poems from her forthcoming chapbook collection.
Gulo Gulo Poetry Workshop & Open Mic
Gulo Gulo Poetry Collective hosts an open-mic and workshop every third Tuesday of the month and Melissa Mitchell is the featured poet for July! The workshop starts at 4 and the open mic is at 6. Melissa will facilitate the workshop and read a poetry set during the open mic.
Visual Verse Art Talk & Reading
Melissa Mitchell and Lauryn Wood, along with other artists who are a part of the Visual Verse experimental exhibition, will present their collaborative piece, “Blue”.
Poetry Curious
Are you a little curious about finding an outlet for all of the thoughts crowding around in your head? Does the word “poetry” sound too academic or high stakes? This is a super chill, open world for the creative curious—an hour and a half space held every month that starts slow and stays slow and offers opportunities to decide what to do next.
Sessions don’t necessarily build on each other, so join at any time and stop at any time. Every session starts off with questions and ideas about poetry, then moves into a more structured second half where we start writing some thoughts down on paper and see about starting to think about maybe writing a poem. Share if want, keep it quiet if it’s not ready to be said aloud yet. Have some peace.
Visual Verse
Come see this experimental exhibition. A dozen pairings of poets and visual artists worked collaboratively for 3 months to create the work for this show. Melissa Mitchell worked with Loveland visual artist, Lauryn Wood, and created the collaborative piece, "Blue".
Half of the artist pairings will present their work during the opening reception on June 6 from 5-8PM. The other half, which includes Lauryn and Melissa, will present during the closing reception, July 11, 5-8PM.