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What is Express the Arts?
Express the Arts is a group of artists, poets, musicians and fans of the arts.
Our collected work can be found here, on this site, and at Milton Café
in Milton, Ontario. We gather on the last Friday of each month and share poetry,
writing, music and food.
Our site hosts a growing community of artists along with a sampling of their work and
a means with which to contact them. The artists are always keen to receive comments
and questions about their work and so communication is encouraged and welcomed.
Everyone is invited (yes you too!) to contribute fresh poetry and artwork and to
participate in the group’s gatherings and experiences. Our current exhibition can
be seen at the Milton Café on Ontario Street North in Milton. (Just north of Main
Street, going under the railway bridge on the west side)
For more information please contact jenny@thepandas.ca. Thank you and we hope you
enjoy and share in our expression of the arts.
Our History
In April 2002, Poetry Night was initiated by Elizabeth Kiddle in the Espress Yourself
Café on the Main Street of Milton. It was begun during Poetry Month in Canada, to
celebrate, to inspire and to encourage poetry appreciation in Milton. Numbers grew.
Many people enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and would look forward to returning
each month. Each session involved an open microphone, for which several local poets
signed up and shared their creative expression with the friendly group.
After being briefly managed by The Canadian Federation of Poets, Jenny Panda, a
local artist and retired teacher was next asked to lead the sessions. She took the
post with the knowledge that the group would continue to encourage and support each
other.
Eventually a fresh venue was chosen to house the growing numbers of poetry lovers.
The managers of the Milton Café on Ontario Street North welcomed the group
hospitably and offered fabulous meals of curry and roti, accompanied by wine, beer
or the Chai tea which is chef Ben's specialty.
As the group evolved, it was decided that we should include all the arts
as well as poetry in order to provide a constant showcase for local fine artists.
Music is also welcomed to our monthly gatherings as each session usually includes
guitar music and original songs. In January 2006, to commemorate Robert Burns Day
the artistic offerings included a bagpiper who regaled the diners before the open
mic session.
The experience is now called Express the Arts. Dramatic groups or any other artists
of any variety are welcome to participate. Meeting at 6:00pm to eat if they wish;
open mic at 7:00pm till 9:30pm, the group continues to enjoy their regular gatherings
on the last Friday of every month.
