Poets and creative artists of Cayman Brac gathered to share their ‘common thread’ of talent during an open mic and poetry night at Solomon Studio on Cayman Brac, on Saturday.
“It was really moving,” Alta Solomon, co-organiser, told the Compass. “It was beautiful to see people share their ideas and express themselves in the creative space we’ve created at Solomon Studio.”
With ‘Common Thread’ as its theme, Solomon said the small gathering “showcased their talent and read poems that hit home for everyone”.
People were encouraged to “share their talents, or simply enjoy the enriching experience of being part of our creative gathering, and to share all types of poetry, whether they’re into spoken word, haikus, sonnets, or free verse”.
Singer and artist Gordon Solomon, who was among the speakers on the night, said he’s never really done an open mic event before. “My brother gave me a book which is entitled, ‘Everything men know about women’, but the inside of the book is blank, so there’s nothing that they knew about women. So I’ve taken the book and done something with it, and one of those things was write poetry, what you really do before you write songs.”
Attendee Danielle Ebanks said, “I thought that the event was soothing [and a] safe place to unwind and relax with kindred spirits. I loved it.”
Joanna Tibbetts, another audience member, noted, “It was a great opportunity for adults to witness their own and each other’s creativity. It feels like the arts are often restricted to childhood, which leaves many adults with no creative outlet. In the long term, it could show creativity as continuous and learning as lifelong.”
Alta Solomon said having events like this on the Sister Island, “gives us a space to hone our skills as poets and creatives and build our confidence while helping others build their confidence and talents”.
She added, “I believe we all have a unique way of expressing ourselves. Holding events like this and giving a platform where we can really unite and push us towards our true creative selves is important to any community.”
The next gathering is set for Saturday, 6 April at Solomon Studio, West End Road, starting at 7pm. It will feature Cayman Brac native Joanna Tibbetts who will host “a night of creative writing and sharing of spoken word”.
Prior to the event, participants are encouraged to identify something seen as ‘ugly’ and write, draw or craft something on the subject.
Alta Solomon said the goal for the upcoming event is to “create in a way that challenges normative perceptions”.
Local artist Ellen Myrie is expected to attend to share some of her handmade crafts.
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