Exploring the Power of Poetry
CMU’s Montrose campus recently hosted an inspiring evening of poetry and conversation with the latest installment of the Montrose Lecture Series featuring Western Slope poet Wendy Videlock. The event, titled The Secret in Every Word, took place on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at Cascade Hall and was open to the public.
Videlock is a nationally acclaimed poet based in Palisade. She is known for her published work in The New York Times, Poetry Magazine, Oprah Magazine, Best American Poetry, Rattle and more. Videlock has also earned several awards for her writing throughout her career, including the the Keats Soul Making Prize, the PBTS Sonnet Prize, the Fischer Poetry Prize, the Cantor Poetry Prize and the AMP Sonnet Prize. Beyond her poetry, Videlock is a dedicated arts advocate, teacher, radio host and syndicated columnist, passionate about language as a guiding force in life.
During the presentation, Videlock explored the transformative power of language through poetry. Drawing on the wisdom of jazz legend Miles Davis, who famously said, "It takes a long time to sound like yourself," she discussed how seeking meaning enriches life, fosters creativity and deepens human connection. Attendees were treated to a live reading and talk that opened the door to discovery, surprise and inspiration.
The event drew an engaged audience, who left with a renewed appreciation for the power of poetry and its ability to connect and inspire.