We Are New York City: An Interactive Exhibition of Poetry and Art

This summer, Poets House establishes a literary outpost in one of the historic houses on Governors Island. For four weekends, “We Are New York City,” an exhibition of art and poetry by Lower Manhattan students, will be on view in House 5A in Nolan Park. Our site on Governors Island will also feature a pop-up library with titles on loan from Poets House’s 60,000-volume collection and interactive poetry-and-art stations for children and families.

The activities will include a colorful mask-making workshop inspired by city landmarks and a haiku table, where visitors can create short poems that Poets House will share via social media. Our mural station will encourage visitors to add their own touches to a cityscape inspired by the work of artist Felipe Galindo.

The art and poetry featured in “We Are New York City” was created in classroom workshops sponsored by Goldman Sachs this past April. Students at PS 1, PS 89, and PS 276 worked with staff from Poets House and guest artists to respond to their most treasured New York City landmarks, in conjunction with Landmarks50, a city-wide celebration of the 50th anniversary of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Law.

Poets House’s summer outpost on Governors Island complements ongoing educational activities at 10 River Terrace. Click here for more information on our Children’s Room and free class-trips program.

Click here for ferry information; ferries are free on weekend mornings