Historical Society seeks poems and art for new exhibition

FRIDAY, Dec. 15 — The Historical Society of Greater Lansing has issued an open call for poetry and artists as part of its “Origin Stories: How You Got Here” exhibit.

The exhibit, funded in part by a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a collection of oral histories, printed stories and artifacts detailing the arrival of immigrants to Lansing from across the globe. It will open in early spring 2024 at the Library of Michigan.

Poets are asked to submit no more than 30-line pieces that reflect the theme of the “Origin Stories” project. The poems may be in any format and can have been previously published. The winning piece will be displayed within the exhibit.

Along with their poem, entrants should submit a poet’s statement and history of 100 words or less as well as their name, address and phone number.

To frame the poem, an artist will be chosen to create a broadside that’s either hand-drawn or printed using techniques such as linocut, etching or engraving. Historically, broadsides were produced in large numbers and distributed as flyers or hung as posters to inform the public about current events, advocate causes, advertise products and services and beyond. Examples of broadsides can be viewed on the Smithsonian Institution’s website.

Artists wishing to be considered should provide an artist’s statement and history, digital examples of previous artwork and their name, home address, phone number and email.

The winning poet and artist will be selected by a committee and will both be awarded $500. The deadline for entries is Jan. 6, 2024. To apply, visit the historical society’s website or email application materials to info@lansinghistory.org.