Poetry Workshop & Open Mic with AQUÍ Collective

The event will feature guest poet, Maricela Ponce-Vargas.

Maricela Ponce-Vargas was raised in The Pico Neighborhood of Santa Monica, California where she co-developed several creative youth programs such as Art Attack and The Write On Project at The Thelma Terry Center. Ponce-Vargas’ lives in three realms: one involves mural painting throughout Los Angeles and San Diego, the second involves her love of writing fiction, the final is her love of teaching. Ponce-Vargas received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Linguistics from California State University Dominguez Hills. She currently teaches English, English Language Development, and Theatre Arts at Banning High School.

About the AQUÍ Collective: An artistic collective made up of Michelle Olivas and Luis Guerrero, that embraces all forms of creative expression. As the majestic quetzal historically united different nations, AQUÍ seeks to link together the community in safe and empowering capacities, with a goal of amplifying the talents that exist in community.

Michelle Olivas is a Wilmington peacemaker and educator who advocates for at-risk youth and formerly incarcerated folks by providing mentorship, counseling support, and employment services to break the cycle of mass incarceration. A co-founder of AQUÍ Collective, Michelle aims to empower the voices of the community by engaging folks through poetry. She uses poetry as a healing tool for herself and her neighborhood.

“I started writing poetry as a creative expression and outlet for the obstacles I faced as a teenager. I continue to write as a form of empowerment for myself and my community.” -Luis A. Guerrero

This event is an auxiliary program of We Run Things, Thing’s Don’t Run We, currently on view at the AGCC Gallery, celebrating 20 years of Slanguage Studios artists.

This exhibition and auxiliary programming are in partnership with Slanguage, made possible with generous support from the Pasadena Art Alliance.