#United States #Frederick #Hood College #Visual Poetry #janet jai

Hood College's Initiative for Visual Poetry

Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, is excited to announce the creation of the janet jai Memorial Fund for Visual Poetry, thanks to a generous endowment of $150,000 from Richard Krepski, a distinguished figure from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This fund is set to significantly bolster support for students and faculty focusing on the innovative literary genre of visual poetry, which artfully intertwines graphic arts and poetic texts.

Richard Krepski established this fund in memory of his late wife, janet jai, a celebrated writer, artist, and activist known for her integration of visual arts into poetry. Her unique approach, which she termed “PoemArts,” fused visual imagery with poetic language to explore complex themes such as identity, nature, and social justice. Throughout her career, jai showcased her work at renowned venues, including Shakespeare and Company in Paris and various festivals in Scotland, leaving a lasting impact on the poetry scene.

The newly established fund will cater to students enrolled in Hood's undergraduate English program as well as those in the graduate creative writing program. As part of their academic journey, students will have the opportunity to receive financial backing, enabling them to delve deeper into the realm of visual poetry, a discipline that challenges traditional boundaries of literature by merging it with artistic expression.

Dr. Elizabeth Knapp, a notable professor of English and director of the MFA in creative writing program at Hood, expressed heartfelt gratitude for Krepski's generous contribution. She stated, “We are grateful to Mr. Krepski for his generous gift, which will enable us to carve our niche in an innovative literary genre.” This sentiment aligns with the college’s goal of fostering creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration among students.

The introduction of the janet jai Memorial Fund is poised to spur greater interest and participation in visual poetry at Hood College, allowing students to explore new methodologies and ideas. The fund will facilitate various initiatives, such as workshops, guest lectures, and projects that highlight the intersection of visual art and poetry.

Moreover, the establishment of the fund is expected to complement existing programs at Hood College. The undergraduate English program, which offers a concentration in creative writing, encourages students to experiment within diverse literary forms. The graduate MFA program, featuring a poetry track, will further enable students to engage with and develop their visual poetry skills.

As part of the broader mission, Hood College continually seeks to provide students with numerous avenues to engage with poetry and the arts. The college's environment encourages innovative thinking, allowing students to venture into various disciplines within the humanities. The janet jai Memorial Fund represents an opportunity for students to develop their unique voices and share their artistic expressions.

To honor the legacy of janet jai and expand the horizons of visual poetry, Hood College is keen to utilize this generous fund in meaningful ways that resonate with both current students and future generations. A retrospective showcasing jai's artwork, titled “Poetry in Vision Voice,” has been exhibited at the Heinz Memorial Chapel in Pittsburgh, which further highlights her influence and contributions to this captivating genre.

In conclusion, the janet jai Memorial Fund not only memorializes a remarkable individual but also paves the way for a new wave of creators at Hood College. By fostering the study of visual poetry, this initiative hopes to inspire and cultivate the next generation of poets and artists who will continue to push the boundaries of expression.

About Hood College

Hood College is an independent liberal arts institution that offers a variety of educational programs, including 30 bachelor's degrees, four pre-professional programs, 20 master's degree programs, three doctorates, and 13 post-baccalaureate certificates. Located in the historic city of Frederick, Hood College serves as a gateway for students seeking internships and research opportunities in proximity to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.