Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
Image for event: Let's Talk Art

Registration now closed

Let's Talk Art

The Intersection of Visual Arts & Poetry

2023-10-22 13:00:00 2023-10-22 15:00:00 America/New_York Let's Talk Art Join us for a panel discussion, reception and Q&A with accomplished local poets, and spoken word performances. Warrensville Heights Branch - Meeting Room North & South (150)

Sunday, October 22
1:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2023-10-22 13:00:00 2023-10-22 15:00:00 America/New_York Let's Talk Art Join us for a panel discussion, reception and Q&A with accomplished local poets, and spoken word performances. Warrensville Heights Branch - Meeting Room North & South (150)

Warrensville Heights Branch

Meeting Room North & South (150)

Join us for a panel discussion, reception and Q&A with accomplished local poets, and spoken word performances.

Building on the successful "Let's Talk Art" panel session on race, culture and art in March 2023, Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL), the Museum of Creative Human Art (MOCHA), and Assembly for the Arts invite you to join us for a celebration of spoken word. Learn from the experiences and perspectives of our panelists - Honey Bell-Bey, Jennifer Coleman, Siaara Freeman, Calil Gage, Wesley (Wallstreet Wes) Robinson - in an engaging dialogue moderated by Deidre McPherson, Chief Community Officer for the Assembly for the Arts. Brief reception and spoken word performance immediately following. 


Panelists

Jennifer Coleman

Coleman is the Foundation’s program director for Creative Culture and Arts. Prior to joining the Foundation, Coleman, an architect, was president of her own design firm, Jennifer Coleman Creative. Earlier in her career, she practiced architecture at several local architecture firms. She also founded CityProwl.com, a company that produced audio walking tours of Cleveland that highlight the distinctive history and architecture of Cleveland. Among her many civic endeavors, Jennifer has served as chair of the Cleveland Landmarks Commission, the Downtown/Flats Design Review Committee and the Group Plan Commission. She also has been a member of the board of trustees of many local arts and cultural organizations. Coleman received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University.

Honey Bell-Bey 

Honey Bell-Bey holds a BA in Broadcast Production Technology from Bethune-Cookman University. A motivational poet, writer, educator and community advocate, Bell-Bey is an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist and the founder and director for The International, Distinguished Gentlemen of Spoken Word, a character based performance troupe for adolescent males who perform on topics of disparities and social injustices. She has performed, directed, and choreographed Spoken Word performances internationally and has received numerous awards and accommodations for her service and activism utilizing poetry as a tool to unite communities around issues in social justice and equity. She was appointed the poet laureate of Cuyahoga County in January 2020, the first poet in sixteen years to hold the position.

Siaara Freeman
Siaara is a 2023 Room in the House fellow with Karmau Theater and a 2022 Catapult fellow with Cleveland Public Theater. She is a 2021 Premier Playwright fellow recipient withCleveland Public theater. She is a 2020 WateringHole Manuscript fellow, 2018 Poetry Foundation incubator fellow and a four time nominee for the pushcart prize. Her work appears in The Journal, Josephine Quarterly, Cleveland Magazine and elsewhere. She has had multiple poems go viral and has toured both nationally and internationally. Her first full length manuscript Urbanshee is available with Button Poetry and is a 2023 finalist for the Audre Lorde Award as well as a 2023 Silver Award winner for the Benjamin Franklin IPBA award for Poetry.  

Calil Gage 
Calil “JUST C.O.S.” Cage is a poet, speaker, educator, and two-time author. He is the founder of and currently serves as the Executive Director of The Sparrow’s Fortune. Born in Chicago, and raised in Columbus, OH, Calil currently resides in Cleveland, OH. He gained his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Kent State University. Recently, he was awarded the Helping Hands Award by the Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board, because of the communal nature of his work in the poetry world. His poetry and spoken word most often highlight the Black community, trauma resilience, hope, healing, spiritual principles, and more. “C.O.S.”, pronounced “cause”, stands for Collection of Seeds. He sees his words as “just a collection of seeds” planted into the hearts of those who listen. He hopes to continue honoring this moniker and planting seeds of impact in every community he visits.

Wesley (Wallstreet Wes) Robinson

Wesley Robinson was given the moniker, “Wallstreet” because of how he genuinely invests in the lives of others. At the age of 21 years old Wallstreet he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for two counts of aggravated robbery. A crime Wallstreet has taken full accountability for. 

During his tenure in prison, Wes was often mentored by men serving life or more years than a man can live, who encouraged him to embrace his prison experience as a life lesson. With this knowledge, at the age of 24 years old Wallstreet began to pour that same wisdom onto the other young males who were serving long stints like him. After awhile the administration of the prison threatened to place Wes in solitary confinement if he kept on impacting the population in a positive way. These threats only encouraged him and led him to informally form an organization called “Digging Diamonds from Dirt”, where he educated himself and others on black history and poetry so that they could express themselves to elders who only judged them as wild and young instead of youth in need of guidance.

In 2012, Wallstreet Wes was transferred to a minimum level security prison where he was able to truly find himself creatively. 

About the moderator 

Deidre McPherson, Chief Community Officer at the Assembly for the Arts, is a creative producer and entrepreneurial strategist dedicated to bridging the gap between artists, communities, and institutions. Her passion for recognizing the creative talent in her community and connecting artists to the public through cultural events and opportunities has been at the core of her work. Her advocacy for Black and Brown and LGBTQ+ creatives enables her to be a prominent force in the collective shift towards equity in Northeast Ohio.

Over the years, Deidre has held leadership roles at the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (moCa). At both institutions, she was responsible for curating and managing events designed to make the museum a vibrant, socially relevant, and welcoming destination. Similarly, as Director of Artistic and Community Initiatives for FRONT International Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art, she introduced community engagement practices that focused on amplifying Black and Brown creatives. Through her consulting practice, she has worked on projects for clients including the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF), Studio West 117, Karamu House, Dance Cleveland and the Saint Luke’s Foundation. Deidre earned a Bachelor's degree from Miami University (with minors in Violin Performance and Arts Administration) and an MBA from the University of Maryland.

Assembly for the Arts            MOCHA

TAGS: | General |

Warrensville Heights Branch

[email protected]
Phone: 216.464.5280
Fax: 216.464.6475
Branch manager
Ali Boyd

Hours
Mon, Apr 21 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Apr 22 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Apr 23 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Apr 24 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Apr 25 9:00AM to 5:30PM
Sat, Apr 26 9:00AM to 5:30PM
Sun, Apr 27 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

The Warrensville Heights Branch offers community meetings spaces, a full service drive-up window, an audio recording studio and a beautiful children’s area featuring artwork from the book Let It Shine by beloved writer/illustrator Ashley Bryan.

This branch is a Student Success Center and a Greater Cleveland Food Bank Kids Café location.

Upcoming events

Fri, Apr 25, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Homework Center/Story & Craft Room (162)
Boost your baby’s brain through play!
Registration is now closed

Fri, Apr 25, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Sat, Apr 26, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Technology Learning Center (16)
Learn ways to search the mysteries of your ancestors.
This event is full

Sat, Apr 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Story/Craft Room (58)
The Cherokee rose : a novel of gardens and ghosts by Tiya Miles. In partnership with Uplyff, Inc.

Sat, Apr 26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Homework Center (104)
Paint beautiful items from nature on real canvas, then plant spring flowers in our outdoor learning garden. 
This event is full

Mon, Apr 28, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Technology Learning Center (16)
RTA Bus Operator recruitment and application process with RTA Human Resources Team.

Mon, Apr 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Mon, Apr 28, 4:15pm - 6:45pm
Homework Center (104)
We offer homework assistance, academic enrichment and access to computers that have internet, databases and free printing.

Mon, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Conference Room A (24),Innovation Center (20)
Learn about the equipment and software in Cuyahoga County Public Library's Innovation Centers and Memory Lab
This event is full

Mon, Apr 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Conference Room B (24)
Step up to the mic and express yourself!

Mon, Apr 28, 7:00pm - 7:30pm
Story/Craft Room (58)
Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays.

Tue, Apr 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Tue, Apr 29, 4:15pm - 6:45pm
Homework Center (104)
We offer homework assistance, academic enrichment and access to computers that have internet, databases and free printing.

Wed, Apr 30, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Wed, Apr 30, 4:15pm - 6:45pm
Homework Center (104)
We offer homework assistance, academic enrichment and access to computers that have internet, databases and free printing.

Wed, Apr 30, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story/Craft Room (58)
Join us for songs and musical activities that integrate music and literacy skills!

Wed, Apr 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join staff for hands-on gardening, nature exploration and fun in the Warrensville Heights Community Learning Garden.

Thu, May 01, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Technology Learning Center (16)
Learn the basics about computing devices, using a mouse and keyboard, and navigating the desktop environment. Computer settings and mobile devices will also be discussed. No prerequisites.

Thu, May 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Thu, May 01, 4:15pm - 6:45pm
Homework Center (104)
We offer homework assistance, academic enrichment and access to computers that have internet, databases and free printing.

Fri, May 02, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Homework Center/Story & Craft Room (162)
Boost your baby’s brain through play!

Fri, May 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Sat, May 03, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Large Meeting Room - South (90)
Join us as we prepare this classic French egg dish.
This event is full

Mon, May 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Technology Learning Center (16)
Learn how to format a range of data as a table, how to summarize a large data set with a pivot table and how to use charts to visually represent data.

Mon, May 05, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Homework Center/Story & Craft Room (162)
Kindergarten Club is for children entering kindergarten this fall who did not attend preschool, Head Start or a childcare center.

Mon, May 05, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Mon, May 05, 4:15pm - 6:45pm
Homework Center (104)
We offer homework assistance, academic enrichment and access to computers that have internet, databases and free printing.

Mon, May 05, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Story/Craft Room (58)
Talk anime and manga, eat snacks, test your knowledge, and be immersed in Japanese culture.

Mon, May 05, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Conference Room B (24)
Step up to the mic and express yourself!

Tue, May 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Tue, May 06, 4:15pm - 6:45pm
Homework Center (104)
We offer homework assistance, academic enrichment and access to computers that have internet, databases and free printing.

Tue, May 06, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Innovation Center (20)
Join us in the Innovation Center to explore technology and inspire creativity.

Wed, May 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Wed, May 07, 4:15pm - 6:45pm
Homework Center (104)
We offer homework assistance, academic enrichment and access to computers that have internet, databases and free printing.

Wed, May 07, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story/Craft Room (58)
Join us for songs and musical activities that integrate music and literacy skills!

Wed, May 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join staff for hands-on gardening, nature exploration and fun in the Warrensville Heights Community Learning Garden.

Thu, May 08, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Cuyahoga County Public Library is collaborating with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to distribute free, fresh produce to those in need.

Thu, May 08, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Thu, May 08, 4:15pm - 6:45pm
Homework Center (104)
We offer homework assistance, academic enrichment and access to computers that have internet, databases and free printing.

Thu, May 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Innovation Center (20)
Learn about the equipment and software in Cuyahoga County Public Library's Innovation Centers and Memory Lab

Fri, May 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Homework Center/Story & Craft Room (162)
Boost your baby’s brain through play!

Fri, May 09, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Sat, May 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Large Meeting Room - North (60),Large Meeting Room - South (90)
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, this is an opportunity to learn popular line dances while enjoying great music and connecting with others! Come move and groove with us!

Mon, May 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Large Meeting Room - North (60)
RTA presents a workshop about the local public transit services.

Mon, May 12, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Mon, May 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Conference Room B (24)
Step up to the mic and express yourself!

Tue, May 13, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Wed, May 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Conference Room B (24)
The Only One Left by Riley Sager

Wed, May 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Wed, May 14, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Join Dr. Lori Wilfong of Kent State University for a panel discussion with local classroom teachers and school administrators to learn more about important shifts in literacy instruction.

Wed, May 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join staff for hands-on gardening, nature exploration and fun in the Warrensville Heights Community Learning Garden.

Thu, May 15, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Thu, May 15, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Innovation Center (20)
Learn how to mend and repair clothes, and even finish your sewing project from home in these sewing classes.
This event is full

Fri, May 16, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Homework Center/Story & Craft Room (162)
Boost your baby’s brain through play!

Fri, May 16, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Homework Center (104)
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free meal provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Sat, May 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Conference Room B (24)
Learn about the equipment and software in the Audio and Video Recording Studios throughout Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Sat, May 17, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Homework Center (104)
Join us for art making and activities celebrating the amazing world of insects.

Mon, May 19, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Technology Learning Center (16)
Learn some of the most commonly used financial functions in Excel, like the Payment (PMT) and future value (FV) functions. Also, get an introduction to Excel’s What-If Analysis tools.

Mon, May 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Conference Room B (24)
Step up to the mic and express yourself!

Tue, May 20, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Innovation Center (20)
Join us for an introduction to the embroidery machine in the Innovation Centers throughout Cuyahoga County Public Library.
This event is full

Wed, May 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Homework Center/Story & Craft Room (162)
Join us in our garden to celebrate the end of the school year with fresh fruit smoothies and outdoor games.

Wed, May 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join staff for hands-on gardening, nature exploration and fun in the Warrensville Heights Community Learning Garden.

Sat, May 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Innovation Center (20)
Join us for an introduction to the long arm quilting machine in the Innovation Center at the Warrensville Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.
This event is full