Inside the Magic of Poetry Night at the Gallery

Since 2015, the Groundwork Gallery has been an accessible and community-driven venue where artists can show and sell their work. We value the opportunity this space gives to artists at any stage in their career. Yet, between art openings, the gallery admittedly felt empty and underutilized. Poetry night was a way to change that. It started as a small idea to put the gallery space to good use, but proved to be something so much more: a night of connection, emotion, and raw creative energy that transformed the space and everyone in it.

Setting the scene: art, ambience, and intention

As someone who is inspired by all things art, I was dedicated to creating a very specific vibe for poetry night. Nicole Cosme, Groundwork’s General Manager and a poet herself, accepted and supported my vision with enthusiasm. Not only did my vision come to life but it exceeded any expectations we could have hoped for.

The playful and twisted art of Jim Charette acted as the backdrop for the night. Cozy armchairs and intimate bistro tables filled the space. The room was dimly lit, the flickering glow of a tea light candle on each table. Each poet appeared in silhouette, their figures shadow-drenched as they leaned into the mic. It felt like a poetry slam venue straight out of a movie.

The space pulsed with an intimate, unfiltered energy as guests sipped wine, champagne, coffee, and snacked on small plates. There was a raw, powerful energy shared by a beautifully diverse crowd.

A night of powerful voices and vibes

We were fortunate to have a truly impressive lineup of eight featured poets. I wish I could expand on the impact of each one, but for the sake of brevity, I will say simply that the amount of talent in the room literally brought me to tears (I tend to get emotional when people are really good at something they love or are passionate about).

Passion is transferable energy, and it definitely permeated through the room. There was an attentive silence as each poet spoke, followed by applause, snaps, and voices of encouragement and support.

An open mic segment followed the featured lineup. It felt as though every voice carried the presence of a seasoned poet, regardless of age or experience. I was genuinely amazed.

There were so many incredible moments that evening. Among them was the presence of Patricia Gomes, New Bedford’s first female Poet Laureate.

Patricia signed up for open mic and shared a deeply personal piece that she is considering for publication. An honor that added even more significance to the night. Her presence reminded us of the creative depth in our city and how poetry continues to thrive in New Bedford.

It was, in every sense, a magical night. One of those nights that linger in your mind long after the lights come back on. Weeks later, people are still talking about the vibe and talent that filled the room. The excitement hasn’t faded, and neither has the inspiration. That’s the power of community art, it doesn’t end when the event does. It calls you back for more. And we can’t wait to host the next one.

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✨ Email team@groundwork.space if you’d like to be a featured poet at our next event.

🖼️ Apply to display your art at Groundwork > Submission guidelines