The Nick Virgilio Haiku Association is proud to announce the Grand Opening Weekend of the Nick Virgilio Writers House on April 28th and 29th!
Come join us as we open the doors to our new center for writers of all ages, honoring Camden’s own Nick Virgilio, world renowned haiku poet. The house is dedicated to supporting literacy, creative writing and self-expression, and inspiring haiku and other verse forms. The house is located at Broadway and Ferry Avenue, adjacent to Sacred Heart Church, and it is at the center of the expanding Waterfront South Arts Community.
April 28th Poets' Preview Day, doors open at 2 pm
- Open Mic: Poets from Haiku Society of America, Haiku North American and participants of the 100 Poets Reading at Moonstone Arts Center, Camden Pizza and Poetry, Brigid’s House and other local groups are invited to fill the house with poetic inspiration
- Screening of two films: “Remembering Nick Virgilio”, by documentary film maker Sean Dougherty and “Nick of Time...Nick of Time”, a film of the play by playwright Joseph M. Paprzycki
- Tours of the Writers House
April 29th Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at 1 pm, doors open following the ceremony
- The Ribbon Cutting: Mayor Francisco Moran, Representatives of the City of Camden and Helene Pierson, who as former Executive Director, Heart of Camden Housing and Community Development Corp, fueled the economic development of Waterfront South
- Blessing of the House: Monsignor Michael Doyle of Sacred Heart Church
- House tours, refreshments, workshops and activities for all ages (children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Sharing our mission: Discussion of what the Writers House will mean to the community and plans to benefit the neighborhood, area students, writers and poets
- Showcase: Reading selections of Nick Virgilio's haiku
- Open Mic: Sharing your poems
- Screening of two films: “Remembering Nick Virgilio”, by documentary film maker Sean Dougherty and “Nick of Time...Nick of Time”, a film of the play by playwright Joseph M. Paprzycki
- Celebration in gratitude for our new beginning: Planting of a cherry tree in the garden
It will be a glorious two days, and we will be thrilled to see you there!
For more information and updates, please check the Writer's House page or our Facebook.