Poetry Programs
Come join in all our poetry programs for 2025!
Keep an eye out for featured poetry by local poets on our socials, newsletter, and below!
Sidewalk Poetry Program
Poetry Jam: May 4th at canvas convergence!
Sidewalk Poetry Program: Applications open now, due Sun, May 11th
Through the City of St. Louis Park's sidewalk poetry program, residents, students, workers or those who have another meaningful connection to St. Louis Park are eligible to submit up to two original short poems or excerpts to be sandblasted into sidewalks throughout the city. Poetry in all languages is welcome.
Sidewalk poetry builds a sense of local identity and creates unexpected moments of pause, contemplation and reflection for pedestrians. There is no submission fee, and no compensation is given. Up to two original poems or excerpts will be accepted per person.
Poetry Jam: sunday May 4th, canvas convergence, 3pm
All poets and poetry lovers are welcome to this family-friendly event. Come read your original poems, or your favorite poems on any theme, in any language. Let's appreciate poetry together!
The Poetry Jam will take place Sunday, May 4th at 3pm at Canvas Convergence in St. Louis Park. We are so excited that the Poetry Jam will feature a local poet: Christy Merry. We can't wait to see you there!
about our featured poet, christy merry
Christy Merry is a native Minnesotan who has also been part of the poetry and music scenes in Chicago, Hollywood and Brooklyn, all places she lived in the 11 years of her life where she was out of state prior to moving back to Minnesota in 2010. She and her husband live in Northeast Minneapolis with 2 small black cats. She has authored several poetry books including her latest release Don’t Kiss the Messenger.
Sidewalk Poetry 2023 & 2024
In 2023 & 2024, new poems were sandblasted in our community's sidewalks!
In 2023, 77 different residents submit 114 unique, original poems for consideration. All applicants either live in St. Louis Park, or have some connection to the City. From that pool of applicants, a committee of local writers and City staff came together and selected 16 poems.
Head over to the Fern Hill neighborhood -- between Toledo Ave and Quentin Ave, and between W 26th St. and W 29th St., with one poem in front of a gazebo in nearby Twin Lakes Park -- and see all 16 new poems for yourself!
This was the third iteration of the Sidewalk Poetry Project. To see the former iterations of the Sidewalk Poetry Project, click on the City of St. Louis Park's interactive public art map.