Today’s art, tomorrow’s world

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

Writers, musicians and artists from all walks of life will take hold of microphones in 300 countries across the world Saturday, Sept. 28, sharing their visions for better lives and better communities as part of the 100 Thousand Poets for Change event.

The hardest part is the first word. Courtesy photo.

Sandpoint area creators will be among them in the seventh annual local rendition of 100TPC, scheduled for 1 p.m at Evans Brothers Coffee. 

Hosted by Lost Horse Press and the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, the open mic event invites participants to share their visions for positive change. Those wishing to take part need only bring their writing, musical instrument or art along and sign up the day of.

Lost Horse Press Publisher Christine Holbert said participation in the event has grown over the years, remembering the “jam packed” gathering at Evans Brothers in 2018. 

“Since the theme is so comprehensive — your ideas for positive change — the poems, stories and songs that people have shared over the years are so wonderfully varied and personal,” she said.

Holbert said people of all ages participate, but that she wants to encourage more local students to take part.

“We’re hoping that more student writers will come to express their thoughts about what needs to be different in their world,” she said, “whether it’s personal change, improvements in their community or their concerns and dreams for a better world.”

Holbert emphasized the need for those young voices since, “they’re going to inherit whatever we put into place now.”

“They should have a seat at the table, too,” Holbert said.

Artistic media abound at Sandpoint’s 100TPC event. Poetry, music and art on canvas have made appearances at past annual gatherings.

“We love when someone presents something unexpected,” Holbert said. “I’m always amazed at the quality of the offerings and the passion.”

Holbert said part of what makes the Sandpoint 100TPC event special is that people from all over Bonner County — from Bonners Ferry to Hope to Priest River — come to participate.

“It’s a real gathering of local communities and people of differing visions and manner of expression,” she said. “Each year is different and each year has its surprises.”

100 Thousand Poets for Change in Sandpoint • Saturday, Sept. 28, 1-4 p.m.; FREE. Evans Brothers Coffee, 524 Church St. Contact Lost Horse Press at losthorsepress@mindspring.com or 208-255-4410.