Ginko is a Japanese poetic tradition of gong to some scenic areas and connecting to the environment through poetry. This walk will be on the undeveloped Greenway path which is not paved, but travels west from the current trail head parking lot, in a more natural and untamed pathway for a true nature hike without distractions of pedestrian walkers, bikers etc.
GINKO HAIKU will be hosted by Basecamp Studio & Gallery 315 Main St Metuchen NJ where the meetup and follow up writing exercises will take place.
FREE PARKING at the location. Our guest artist Spencer Soletto will provide encouraging instruction and be leading the event.
This is the first of a series of 4 Haiku Poetry Walks which will take place at the change of each season starting with this Summer Solstice event.
This Series is funded in part by a grant from the Friends of Metuchen Arts, and Basecamp is grateful for their supporting Spencer’s program.
Event structure
Meetup discussion of haiku poetry and haiku activities at Basecamp Studio & Gallery (10-15min)
A haiku field guide (basics of haiku zine) will be provided
Discuss 5 sample haiku
Taking a walk for poetic inspiration and writing (45-60 minutes)
Walking with casual conversation and observation
Welcome to take photos and notes along the way, but hope all can refrain from social media and phone calls during the session.
Writing ,sharing poems the group wrote and discussing (30-45 minutes) back at Basecamp.
A quiet focus on writing
Share our poetry one verse at a time
Participants can choose to write their favorite poem of theirs on a card to be collected for a shared zine of the event
Afterward Spencer typically brews some tea and everyone is welcome to join and continue to chat about the experience.