There is no better time to read poetry – and love poems in particular – than in the spring. April is recognized as National Poetry Month by the Academy of American Poets. This year the Institute is pleased to have Julie Weiss present her recently published book of poems, The Jolt: Twenty-One Love Poems In Homage to Adrienne Rich. Julie will read a selection of poems from her first published collection of poems, The Places We Empty, as well as poems from the latest chapbook. She will also share her insights into publishing poetry in English-language journals and other outlets. Following Julie’s presentation and the Q&A, the floor will be open to all those wishing to stand up, step forward, and share their own work when we host a Poetry Open Mic.

Note that copies of Weiss’ new book, The Jolt: Twenty-One Love Poems In Homage to Adrienne Rich, and her previous book, The Places We Empty, will not be sold at this event. Both books may be purchased online. Julie will sign copies of either paper books or digital copies of the latest chapbook if you bring a copy to the event.

This event will be conducted in English, and is free and open to the public. Seating is limited.

Important information about the Open Mic

• Sign up at the door
• Each person may read a maximum of 2 short poems or 1 long poem

About the author

Julie Weiss (she/her) is the author of The Places We Empty, her debut collection published by Kelsay Books, as well as a chapbook, The Jolt: Twenty-One Love Poems In Homage to Adrienne Rich, published by Bottlecap Press. Her poem “Poem Written in the Eight Seconds I Lost Sight of My Children” was selected as a finalist for Sundress’s 2023 Best of the Net Anthology. She won Sheila-Na-Gig’s Editor’s Choice Award for her poem “Cumbre Vieja,” was named a finalist for the 2022 Saguaro Poetry Prize, and was shortlisted for Kissing Dynamite’s 2021 Microchap Series. A Pushcart Prize nominee, her work appears in Rust + Moth, ONE ART, Sky Island Journal, Orange Blossom Review, Gyroscrope Review, and MacQueen’s Quinterly, among others. Originally from California, she lives in Spain with her wife and two young children.