Field Trip: Poetry Night at The Artists’ House

All Lit Up: How did Poetry Night at The Artists’ House get started?

Lory MacDonald: For ten years, I curated a popular feature called Poets@Artfest at Artfest Kingston, the Canada Day weekend arts festival I founded in 2012 and directed until 2023. It was a vibrant space for poets to share their work, and I’m delighted that the tradition continues under new leadership, with longtime host Bruce Kauffman still at the helm.

When I stepped back from running the festival, I turned my focus to nurturing The Artists’ House—a retreat space where creativity in all forms is welcomed and celebrated. In 2022, during a small arts event on the property, a dear friend and colleague, Kate Russell, approached me with an idea: What if we held a monthly poetry night in the studio?

I said yes immediately. I love collaboration and saw this as a beautiful way to invite new energy into the space. For nearly two years, Kate organized the gatherings, bringing her deep knowledge of poetry and her strong network of local voices. Each month, she selected a theme to spark inspiration, and her own presence as a poet set the tone. Poetry Night quickly became a beloved, welcoming event that reflects everything I hoped The Artists’ House would be—a place to gather, share, and grow creatively.

All Lit Up: What can attendees expect at a Poetry Night? Walk us through how this monthly gathering works.

Lory MacDonald: As of April, I’ve taken on organizing Poetry Night myself, following the wonderful groundwork laid by Kate Russell. Kate stepped back due to a full professional schedule, but her legacy of building a welcoming, engaging space for poets continues to shape the event. While she hosted every session in the past, I’ve introduced a rotating host model—inviting different poets to lead each month. This approach adds fresh perspectives and gives new voices a chance to shine.

I may not be a poet myself, but I’m a passionate listener and admirer. I love the range of people who attend—poet laureates, seasoned writers, emerging poets, and curious newcomers. There’s always an electric mix of voices, ideas, and experiences in the room. It’s never predictable—and always inspiring.

Poetry Night takes place on the third Friday of each month at The Artists’ House. I promote it through social media and a growing email list (people can sign up at theartistshouse.ca). We usually welcome 20 or more participants, and new faces are always embraced.

The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable, with snacks, beverages, and lots of heart. People often comment on how safe and encouraging it feels—and we’ve had many poets read aloud for the first time here. The literary community is incredibly supportive and genuinely interested in one another’s work. The format is quite relaxed, with poets coming up to read in no order. Just whoever feels moved to come up next. Typically, we read three poems each. Authors are encouraged to offer their publications for sale as well.

Poets travel from all over the region to attend the event, from up to an hour away, and of course many locals. We have poets from Owen Sound, Barrie, Orangeville, Breaton, Toronto, Midland, Wasaga Beach, Badjaros, Hamilton and beyond.

We begin promptly at 7pm and usually wrap by 9pm—though we’re happy to stretch a little if the poems keep coming. The event is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis to help cover costs, and everyone is welcome.

All Lit Up: What else does The Artists’ House do? How do Poetry Night events fit into your overall programming?

Lory MacDonald: The Artists’ House is more than a guesthouse—it’s a creative sanctuary nestled in Nottawa, Ontario, where artists, writers, musicians, and curious souls can come to reflect, make, and reconnect. My goal has always been to cultivate a space where creativity feels natural, supported, and joyfully unpressured. We have 1.5 acres in a park-like setting, a 3-bedroom guest house, a 750sq ft studio space, a seasonal outdoor art pavilion and beautiful perennial gardens. It is a pretty sweet spot!

We host a range of offerings: weekly Open Studio drop-ins on Thursdays, artist residencies, small-scale workshops, seasonal events, and gatherings that celebrate the creative process in all its forms. Whether someone is here for a quiet solo retreat or an energizing group event, there’s an underlying invitation to slow down and rediscover what lights them up.

Poetry Night is a beautiful expression of that vision. It’s a monthly moment of community, courage, and connection. It brings people together who may not identify as artists but who are drawn to creative expression, thoughtful listening, and shared vulnerability. It’s low-barrier, welcoming, and gently transformative—exactly the kind of experience I hope The Artists’ House continues to offer.

Ultimately, everything we do here supports the idea that creativity is not a luxury—it’s essential. Whether through poetry, painting, music, or quiet reflection, I want this to be a place where people feel seen, nourished, and inspired.

All Lit Up: Is there a particularly memorable moment or moments over the past two years from hosting these nights that you’d like to share?

Lory MacDonald: There have been many special moments, but a couple really stand out.

One summer evening, we wrapped up our indoor poetry reading and moved outdoors to gather around the campfire. It was one of those perfect nights—warm, starlit, and full of good conversation. Partway through, one of our regulars, Paul, shared something unexpected: he was a professional opera singer. Then, right there under the night sky, he stood and sang a stunning Italian aria. It was breathtaking—so moving it brought tears to my eyes. That moment, so spontaneous and generous, will stay with me forever.

Another highlight was our May gathering, when my dear friend Kelly Watt was the featured poet. Her new book, The Weeping Degree, had just become an international bestseller, and the poems she read were deeply powerful. The room was silent with focus, and the discussion that followed was thoughtful and rich. Kelly’s creative journey was supported in part by astrologer Michael Zizis, who was also with us that night and shared some truly enlightening reflections. It was a night full of resonance, meaning, and connection—everything I hope for at The Artists’ House.

All Lit Up: Who would be a dream guest reader at Poetry Night at The Artists‘ House?

Lory MacDonald: I’m always open to suggestions—and I love when new ideas come from within the community. One person I’d be thrilled to feature is Bruce Kauffman. Bruce has been a close friend and longtime supporter of poetry in Canada. His work as a poet, editor, and host of finding a voice on CFRC has made an incredible impact, and it would be wonderful to have him share his words and wisdom at The Artists’ House. He is so dedicated to the craft.

I’ve also been thinking about how to expand the circle a bit. Hosting a teen poetry night is something I’d really like to explore—creating a space for younger voices to be heard, mentored, and encouraged. I think it could be both powerful and important, especially in a time when young people are looking for authentic ways to express themselves.

Beyond that, I’m interested in blending genres and themes—maybe a night that combines poetry and music, or a seasonal event that invites people to write from nature or personal memory. I’m not an expert on famous poets, but I care deeply about making space for all voices, known or unknown, to feel valued and heard. That’s the spirit that guides everything we do here.

Friday June 20^th was our most recent event with host Richard-Yves Sitoski, past Poet Laureate, songwriter and performance artist from Owen Sound. Richard has chosen ‘Home’ for a theme prompt this month to inspire some poetic creativity. It was a great evening. Richard’s poetry just crackles!

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Thanks so much to Lory for answering our questions and taking us through the doors of The Artists’ House for Poetry Night! To learn more about Poetry Night, click here.

For more Field Trips, click here.