This workshop will focus on the power of both poetry and self affirmation in a workshop through acrostic poetry. Acrostic poetry contains a verse or stanza in which sets of letters, whether at the beginning or end of the line, create a phrase, word, sentence, or sentiment. Affirmations are self-help statements that can challenge negative beliefs and thought systems when repeated and believed in. Poet riel fuqua will provide a safe space for participants to express and hold space for themselves and one another through this in-depth workshop in the Education Gallery at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art. Sensory safe clothing and shoes are recommended. Tea, water, small bites and good vibes will be provided.

riel fuqua (they/them/she/her) is a creative artist of many trades, each of them centering around the communicative art of storytelling. their work has been featured in Empyrean Literary Magazine, Moody the Zine, BLOOM Magazine, Mindful Magazine and published by Querencia Press and Bottlecap Press. much of riel’s work focuses on the mosaic of experiences they have had as a Black, queer person residing in the Deep South, including navigating interpersonal relationships, sentiments both big and small, childhood memories, the nostalgia for a reality before COVID-19, and the zest of Black, non-binary joy. riel hails from florence, alabama and has lived there their entire life (save for two years out of state for graduate school) and spends most of their time making instant coffee, squealing at cute things, romanticizing the outdoors, and watching films with their fiance.