About

In this creative writing and visual arts class, you will explore the art of Blackout Poetry: a unique form of poetry created by transforming existing text into something new. Using pages from books or printed articles, you will learn how to carefully select and reveal words while “blacking out” the rest of the text to create original poems.

During class, you will practice identifying powerful words, shaping meaning through word choice, and experimenting with layout and visual design. The process encourages creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression as you discover how hidden messages can emerge from ordinary text.

You will also learn techniques for planning your poems, refining your ideas, and enhancing your work with creative designs, patterns, and illustrations around the remaining words. By the end of the class, you will have produced a number of original blackout poems and gained a deeper understanding of how poetry can be both a literary and visual art form.

This class is perfect for students who enjoy writing, art, and creative experimentation—no prior poetry experience required.