Celebrate National Poetry Month! Come to the Gala Reception for Crossings' 12th Annual Poet-Artist Collaboration on Friday, April 19. The evening begins at 6:30 at Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota. There you can meet the artists and poets and enjoy refreshments. Then join the party as it moves down the block to the State Theatre at 7:30 for a poetry reading and slideshow of the accompanying artwork.

Some 150 poets and artists participated in this year’s event by entering up to three poems each, or submitting artistic work samples. Jurors winnowed nearly 300 poems down to just 26. Other jurors halved the artistic pool to match the number of poems. For this exhibit, each selected artist then chose one selected poem from which to create an artwork. Poems and the work they inspired are displayed together.

“The response this year was almost overwhelming, and we’re gratified to see so many talented people participating in our event. Poet-Artist Collaboration holds a special place in our hearts and never fails to produce lovely and surprising results as art and poetry intertwine,” said Crossings owner Marie Marvin.

The public is invited and admission is free.

The 51 participating poets and artists come from around Minnesota, including Rochester, Minneapolis, Northfield, Wabasha and elsewhere; two are from Wisconsin.

The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information visit http://www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Pictured Above: "Li Bai," pastel by Mike Schad from the 2013 Collaboration