Poetry Writing Workshop: The Words We Carry

Celebrate National Poetry Month at VPAM with a poetry writing workshop inspired by the art and altar-making practice of Ofelia Esparza. Led by Los Angeles–based poet Gloria Enedina Alvarez—a Chicana poet, intermedia artist, literary translator, curator, and creative writing educator—this workshop explores how poetry, like Esparza’s work, can serve as a space for memory, devotion, and storytelling rooted in family and community.

Using Ofelia Esparza: A Retrospective as inspiration, participants will be guided through writing prompts that transform images, objects, and personal histories into poetry. This workshop welcomes writers of all experience levels and invites participants to engage with Esparza’s art through words.

This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs encouraged at the “Register Now” link below.

Show Credits

Ofelia Esparza: A Retrospective is organized by the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College. The exhibition is curated by Joseph Valencia and Sybil Venegas with Gloria Ortega.

The exhibition was made possible with lead support from the Terra Foundation for American Art.

Generous support provided by the Teiger Foundation.

Additional support is provided by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), and the Pasadena Art Alliance.

All exhibitions at the Vincent Price Art Museum are underwritten by the Vincent Price Art Museum Foundation and East Los Angeles College.

Image: Installation view, Ofelia Esparza: A Retrospective, on view at the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College, October 18, 2025–April 18, 2026. Photo by Paul Salveson.