Poetry in Objects: A Visual Collage Workshop

Inspired by the transformative assemblage art of Betye Saar, this two-hour workshop led by artist Julie Klear Essakalli invites you to explore personal storytelling through poetry and collage. We will bring a meaningful object from home and, guided by prompts, uncover the hidden stories and emotions it holds. Using Saar’s practice as inspiration—her ability to infuse everyday objects with cultural memory, ancestral connection, and layered symbolism—we will create visual poetry collages that blend words, images, and materials to express our object’s deeper meaning. Through observation, freewriting, and intuitive collage-making, we will craft pieces that honors each object’s history while discovering new perspectives.

No prior art or writing experience is needed—just bring curiosity and a meaningful object to work with. Leave with a unique artwork that carries the spirit of Betye Saar’s assemblage: reclaiming and reimagining objects into powerful vessels of personal and collective meaning. All collage-making materials will be provided.

Thursday, October 16th — 6:00-8:00pm

Registration pricing below. The Patron Ticket best honors artist and her time instructing; also offering — in shorter supply — Supporter & Equity Tickets for more accessible registration options.

• Patron Ticket: $15

• Supporter Ticket: $12

• Equity Ticket: $7.50

We believe in equity and accessibility for all who need it. If you have additional questions, please reach out to patrick@thewell.world.

Julie Klear Essakalli is a passionate advocate for children, specializing in early childhood arts education, entrepreneurship, and children’s book writing and illustration. She is the co-founder of Zid Zid, a play-based enrichment platform active in U.S. preschools, and formerly led the acclaimed children’s brand Zid Zid Kids. An award-winning illustrator and author, her titles include The Butter Man, The Animal Spring, and Mindful Poetry Moments. Julie’s vibrant mixed-media collage work is represented by the literary agency Painted Words. Fluent in Arabic and French, she spent 15 years in Morocco and now lives in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood with her family. She loves connecting with early childhood educators, poets and illustrators, and can be found on Instagram at @julieklear.