Poetry and Art Come Together at Town Hall Theatre

On April 29, 2025 the Town Hall Theatre hosted an inspiring afternoon of poetry and art, presented as part of the Poetry for the Ages program—now in its second year. This biannual event is a collaborative effort between the Public Art Committee, the Lamorinda Arts Council, and the Town Hall Theatre, designed to celebrate the creative voices of our region through both visual and literary arts.

Poets from across the Bay Area applied to participate, and the final lineup featured a diverse and engaging group of voices: Steven Poling, Stephenie Bushra Khan, LaVonne Taft, Sally June McInerny Mooring, Ivy Ava McInerny Mooring, and Bonnie Richardson. Each poet brought a unique perspective and style, contributing to a rich and moving reading that reflected the growing enthusiasm for literary arts in Lafayette and beyond.

The afternoon continued with a special Artist Talk by Bushra Gill, whose work draws deeply from the natural beauty of Lafayette—its golden hills, soaring trees, and ever-changing light. Gill spoke about the unseen networks in nature that inspire her practice, which blends sculpture, museum education, and curatorial work. Her reflections on order within chaos and the quiet rhythms of life resonated strongly with the audience. Her exhibition is currently on view at the Town Hall Theatre.

After the program, guests had the opportunity to mingle casually with the poets and artist while enjoying complimentary cookies and coffee—a warm and welcoming close to a memorable afternoon celebrating creativity and community.

The Public Art Committee hosted the Fall Poetry for the Ages event on October 29, 2024 at the Town Hall Theatre, in collaboration with the Lamorinda Arts Council and Town Hall Theatre. This new biannual event was created in response to seniors’ requests for more mid-day, mid-week arts programming—and it delivered!

A near-capacity audience warmly embraced the poets, creating an atmosphere of connection and inspiration. The intimate setting allowed for a meaningful exchange of ideas and emotions, highlighting the power of poetry to bring people together.

Featured poets included Damneet Kaur, Elise Dirlam Ching, Emma Wong, Harleen Gahlla and Josslyn Grover. Artist Susan Goldie gave a talk about her creative process for her stunning work on view in the lobby gallery.

Read Elaine Borden Chandler's article, Poetry for the Ages Connects Generations, Lamorinda Weekly, December 4, 2024, about this special event.

Want to share your work?

Local poets are invited to submit their work for Poetry for the Ages! These noontime salon-style poetry readings are hosted through a collaborative effort between the Town Hall Theatre, the Lamorinda Arts Council and the Lafayette Public Art Committee. We hold events twice a year—in April and October. Selected poets read their work at Town Hall Theatre's cozy literary salon—free for all! 

This one-hour program, held from 12:00–1:00 pm, features four poets, each sharing their work during a 7-minute reading, followed by an engaging Q&A session. With a warm, appreciative audience, this intimate setting offers a unique opportunity for poets to connect and inspire.

Sign up to read at the next event on October 7, 2025. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to share your voice, connect with a welcoming audience, and celebrate the beauty of poetry in a cozy, community-focused space.

How to Apply

To apply to read your poetry, email the following items to Jenny Rosen at jrosen@lovelafayette.org:

1. Personal Information: Please include your name, email address and website if applicable.

2. Brief Biography. Please include a brief biography to provide the audience with context about your work.  Tell the audience about yourself as a writer (30-100 words)

3. One-sentence Bio: Please provide a one sentence bio to be used as an introduction at the event. For example: Emily Jeffers will read poetry written during a trip along the coastline from her chapbook draft titled: Out of the Swells of the Ocean - Lands a Boulder of Emotion

4. Please attach a pdf for each piece you'd like to read. Limit 3.

5. Please attach a headshot for use in the program.

Poetry Eligibility

Poetry for the Ages is a public program intended for all segments of the community and all age groups. When considering poetry submissions, the program organizers shall consider whether the work:

• Provokes thought, ignites creativity, and reflects the diverse social, cultural, or historic values of the Lamorinda community.
• Furthers the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and freedom of expression.
• Does not contain religious iconography intended to be perceived as government endorsement of religion in violation of the Establishment Clause of the Federal and State Constitutions
• Does not contain graphic violence, obscenity or pornography

The views in the poetry are those of the poets and not those of the City of Lafayette, the Public Art Committee, the Lamorinda Arts Council, or the Town Hall Theatre.