Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 6, 2021) – The WVU Parkersburg OPEN Task Force will recognize National Poetry Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month for a two-event series addressing how to use creative writing to process emotionally challenging events.

Assistant Professor of English Danielle Kelly will host an interactive Zoom on Tuesday, April 12, from 12:15 p.m.-1:00 p.m., for participants to learn about the benefits of writing as means for accessing emotional life events. The Zoom will also teach creative writing techniques to begin the journey of healing.

The session will identify and teach participants techniques to process emotions that seem inaccessible when faced with emotionally trying times, events or situations. Participants will be given prompts throughout the session to generate material.

Those who participate in the masterclass can present original pieces to share with the campus community during an Open Mic event on Tuesday, April 19, at 12:15 p.m., in the courtyard on the main campus. Faculty, staff and students who did not participate in the masterclass but would like to share a favorite poem are also welcome.

Open Mic sign-ups will begin at 12 p.m. on the day of the event. Those wishing to participate can also email Danielle Kelly at danielle.kelly@wvup.edu.