Submitted by Amy Garcia Phillips
“What’s the Word in Rahway?” The word is Poetry, and it’s happening right here in Rahway, New Jersey! Every 1st Saturday of the month, Atelier Rosal Custom Framing and Art Services, in conjunction with the Association for the Creative and Performance Arts (ACP Arts), put on a dynamic show full of spoken word and slam poetry titled, “What’s the Word on Cherry Street!?”
February 2nd’s show was no exception. The evening was filled with poets and performers from all walks of life. From the open mic to the slam performers, the talent left audience members captivated and wanting more. This show is so diverse that it stretches far beyond the City limits of Rahway. Paterson, Hackensack, Westfield, Newark and Plainfield, New Jersey were only a few areas that were represented. This show is all about bringing people together and bridging cultural gaps through artistic creativity. And what better place for art than in Atelier Rosal’s showroom and art gallery? They have opened their doors to the arts and poetry community. They not only promote the work of local artists, but they also work with private collectors, art enthusiasts, and high volume commercial vendors.
If you think the adults are having the last word in poetry here in Rahway, then you are wrong indeed! ACP Arts along with the Rahway Prevention Coalition, Rahway Arts and Business Partnership, and Legends Entertainment sponsor a Youth Open Mic at the Cherry Pit Youth Center. This is a bi-monthly event open to young people of all ages. The past shows have been jam packed with tweens, teens and adults who are there to promote and support the talented young artists in the area. Stay tuned, the next adult poetry show at Atelier Rosal will be on Saturday, March 2. The Cherry Pit Youth Open Mic returns Friday, April 5. All events start at 6 p.m. and are free! Come out and be a part of the Arts Movement in Rahway! For more information about the Arts Movement in Rahway, please follow the Association for the Creative and Performance Arts on Instagram: @acp_arts or contact Atelier Rosal at 848-236-5027 or visit their website at atelierrosal.com. For the latest happenings in Rahway please visit the Rahway Arts and Business Partnership page at rahwayishappening.com.
(above) Winners of the Poetry Slam: Third place winner iMega; first place winner Theron Jenkins; second place winner John Burke along with hosts Nourish Cruz and Big Mike.
