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Coming this fall, the diVERSES is proud to host
Opus
a speaking series from poets and musicians
selected by the community
centered on sharing the lessons that came
with writing the poems that have impacted us.
Meet The Speakers
MahLeah Cochran is a Columbus-based abstract artist, humanitarian, poet and public speaker. As a co-author of The Fire From Her Crown, she explores faith, art, and mental health. Her global aid work and intuitive "Pause & Paint" workshops inspire deep healing, blending rich creativity with a profound dedication to community.
Deborah Chow Strozier is a Chinese American poet who is working on a full-length poetry manuscript, Jade Heart focusing on her mother’s life. Her poetry and short fiction were published in places like The Bitter Oleander, Hawai’i Pacific Review, Cricket Magazine, and Main Street Rag. She served as the Secretary and Vice-President of the Ohio Poetry Association, where she also started an Ekphrastic Poetry Program. She has worked 26 years as a Research Scientist at an international nutritional food company. She loves writing poetry, photography, drawing and painting.
Jennifer Browne is the author of American Crow and the poetry chapbooks Dearest, Disaster; Before: After; In a Period of Absence, a Lake; whisper song; and The Salt of the Geologic World. Find more of her work at linktr.ee/jenniferabrowne
Dr. Mark Lomax, II, is a critically acclaimed composer, recording artist, drummer, activist, educator, and author who specializes in the socio-political and spiritual aspects of African-American art, music, and race and using the arts to build community
JG is an Emmy Award winning spoken word poet, speaker, and football announcer with extensive experience with music production, poetry albums, and touring as a poet for livelihood. He founded The Ness Open Mix Experience, a long-running showcase of open mic poetry that served as a pillar of the Columbus Black poetry community.
Matthew (Mathias) Pitts is a Poet, Filmmaker, and Photographer who left the Jehovah's Witness religion, which had mostly separated him from the heart and spirit of the arts community. Since then he has been published by Vogue, Muzzle Magazine, and over 200 independent photo journals. He has experience working with the Smithsonian, PBS, the Harmony Project, and more.
Geoff Anderson is the founder of diVERSES, a for-profit poetry organization that runs Columbus Ohio's first and only poetry venue, the Stanza. Published in journals like Tar River, The Journ, Indiana Review, and Cimarron review, Geoff now works to guide poets away from traditional Corporate poetry routes in favor of independent art, with the diVERSES mission being Live On Poetry.
What is Opus?
Opus is a speaking opportunity for poets and musicians
to speak on an insight learned from the creation of a piece of art.
​We'll reach out to ask if they would like
to speak this fall.
Why create Opus?
While Columbus routinely showcases art, what is missing is an opportunity to develop the more professional aspects of the work, including being able to speak on what artists have created. Opus aims to provide poets and musicians a way to deliver the original thoughts and philosophies behind the art they create.
What can attendees expect?
An apt comparison to Opus is TED talks, especially in the platforms earlier stages. However, the emphasis is less on pre-scripted and predictably formatted talks, and more on the human, personal experience that artists have gone through. A central premise of Opus: each poet and musician, regardless of ability, has a unique story that the world can learn from.
Each night, two to three speakers will take the stage. Each will perform a piece, then give a 10-15 minute talk on the lesson learned from its creation. Between speakers, there will be a brief intermission. Following the speakers, there will be a brief Q & A session. Each night of Opus will also be recorded and distributed across the diVERSES platform.
How much are tickets?
Opus is free to attend, with a suggested donation of $10 at the door. Talks will be delivered at two intimate venues: The Stanza at 15 N Westmoor as well as Thurber House proper. Because of the intimate size of each space, we are limiting free reserved tickets to 8 seats for each evening, with an additional few seats reserved for walk-ins. You can reserve a seat here:
What is the schedule?
The current schedule is as follows.
6:30PM Doors | 7PM Talks
October 25th: The Stanza
November 1st: Thurber House
November 8th: The Stanza
November 15th: Thurber House
Who are the speakers?
Speakers will be posted here shortly; you can also find more info on the @diversespoetry socials.
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