Teaching artist Vanita Leatherwood is an award-winning poet, storyteller, performer and mixed-media artist, with over 30 years of experience in facilitating expressive arts workshops that inspire creativity, cultivate joy, foster personal discovery and build community.

Ms. Leatherwood holds a B.A. in Mass Communications from Towson University and an M.A. in Transformative Language Arts from Goddard College. She has used her skills as an educator and artist in a variety of venues and fields from teaching poetry to high school students to presenting a poetic performance piece at a 50+ center. Ms. Leatherwood co-authored the READY program, an interactive, performance-based workshop to educate adults and children about sexual abuse and bullying. She served as a member of the DC Safe and Drug Free Schools Advisory Council and was honored by the District of Columbia Public School system for her educational initiatives. She was also honored by Mount Saint Mary’s College for her commitment to the education and motivation of students as founder of the Pathways: Attitudes and Aptitudes Program. Ms. Leatherwood has conducted poetry and wellness workshops for individuals living with mental illness and their family members. In 2018, she was awarded a Governor’s Citation in honor of her contributions to the state of Maryland and our nation. The recipient of multiple arts council awards in the state of Maryland, Ms. Leatherwood is the producer of the award-winning podcast “Transforming Together,” and the playwright for “Telling This Truth” at Slayton House Theatre. In 2019, her work garnered the NAACP Jenkins Odoms Freedom Fighter Award. In 2021 she received “The (S)heroes Award” from the Women's Giving Circle, presented to women admired or idealized for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. She is the founder and editor Dragonfly arts magazine, celebrating its 10^th year of publication. Ms. Leatherwood’s poetry can be found in magazines and anthologies including Pegasus, The Sheet, Motherwit, A Starlight Night and Trivia: Voices of Feminism and her book, Scratching the Itch and Other Natural Tendencies. She is a member of the Transformative Language Arts Network and the National Association of Poetry Therapists.

Ms. Leatherwood is the owner/director of The Yes Within, facilitating virtual and in-person workshops for groups as well as sessions for individuals. She enjoys working with adults, helping people find their voice, especially through teaching poetry, mixed-media projects and devised theatre performances. Her work promotes self-reflection, unity, and equity across boundaries of age, class, culture, gender, race and sexual orientation.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Writing Poetry as Memoir: A Workshop Series for Those 55+

There is so much to be gained in reflecting on our life stories. In this eight-session writing workshop series, participants will explore how poetry can be used as memoir, by hearing, reviewing and reflecting on excerpts from published poetry-memoir books.

Participants will be introduced to basic poetry writing skills such as the use of metaphor, form, and theme.  We will launch the creation process with thought-provoking conversation, guided reflection work and sharing.  Participants will spend time in session and at home writing, using their senses, life stories, humor, history, and popular culture as inspiration.

Each week there will be an opportunity for generous and positive feedback on the evolving poetry from me, plus supportive responses from other participants. Basic performance skills are introduced including voice, eye contact, and facial expression. The workshop series will culminate with a poetic-performance reading, featuring participants' work thematically linked together. No previous experience is necessary.

Specs:  Sessions are 2 hours plus .5 hour for set-up and break down:  16 hours of teaching and 18 hours for curriculum development, meetings and materials prep. Culminating experience is 2 hours. A folder of material is provided. Total:  $1980.00. 

Materials Needed:   Notebooks and Pens  

Notes: Mileage Reimbursement required for distances more than 25 miles away. Workshop can be in-person or virtual via Zoom.

Waking Up Your Muse: A Poetry Writing Workshop Series for those 55+

Are you the person who "used to" write poetry?  Or perhaps you are having trouble connecting with your “creative side.” During this eight-session workshop series participants will have the opportunity to wake up their muse through activities that include the use of innovative prompts, imagery, music and sharing. The poetry of six poets (Lucille Clifton, Audre Lorde, George Ella Lyon, Mary Oliver, Theresa I. Soto and Pádraig Ó Tuama) will serve as the catalyst for the activities. With advance notice, some poets, may be substituted for a writer that is of interest at the library. Basic poetry writing skills are shared including use of metaphor, form, and theme. Participants will spend time in session and at home writing. Each week there will be an opportunity for generous and positive feedback on the evolving poetry from me, plus supportive responses other participants. The workshop series will culminate with a poetry reading of the participants' work. No previous experience is necessary.

Specs:  Sessions are 2 hours plus .5 hour for set-up and break down:  16 hours of teaching and 12 hours for curriculum development, meetings and materials prep. Culminating experience is 2 hours. A folder of material is provided.  Total:  $1770.00. 

Materials Needed:  Notebooks and Pens  

Notes: Mileage Reimbursement required for distances more than 25 miles away. Workshop can be in-person or virtual via Zoom.