T&W at the Guggenheim
May 2025 — Teachers & Writers Collaborative (T&W) is proud to present a series of activities in dialogue with the Guggenheim New York’s major solo exhibition Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers. T&W is the first among other community partners to activate the Rotunda Stage installation: a stage designed by the artist on the rotunda floor. During the month of May 2025, we’ll present poetry by students, teaching artists, and friends.
A Poem for Deep Thinkers is the largest exhibition of Rashid Johnson’s career and the first major museum survey of his work in over a decade. This landmark solo exhibition encompasses nearly 90 works spanning three decades of Johnson’s practice. The show includes photography, film, video, sculpture, mosaic, painting, and performances. The exhibition is named after a poem and reflects Johnson’s use of poetry, literature, and vernacular language as central elements of his practice.
Join us for one of these upcoming events at the Guggenheim!
Note: a general admission ticket to the museum is required in order to participate. In celebration of Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers, the Guggenheim is offering discounted admission when you book your ticket online in advance of your visit. Starting April 18, save $2 on admission for visits through June 1. In addition, every Monday and Saturday, from 4 to 5:30 pm, you can pay what you wish for admission.
Visit Guggenheim.org to learn more and plan your visit.
T&W at the Guggenheim – Events
Saturday 5/3 (12pm) – Make a Poem/Take a Poem Workshop with Dave Johnson
T&W Teaching Artist Dave Johnson hosts a guerrilla writing workshop inviting participants to engage with poetry in a collaborative, interactive way, including a reading at 1PM.
Monday 5/5 (4pm) – International High School Poetry Club Reading
Student poets from International High School at Union Square’s Poetry Club culminate their 10-week T&W residency by sharing original poetry and showcasing their residency anthology. Hosted by lead teaching artist Libby Mislan.
Saturday 5/10 (1pm) – Teaching Artist Readings
Hear original work read by T&W Teaching Artists, Staff, and Education Associates. Featuring Daemond Arrindell, Alba Hernandez, Elise Hyrak, Libby Mislan, and Donnie Welch.
Monday 5/12 (4pm) – Teaching Artist Readings
Hear original work read by T&W Teaching Artists, Staff, and Education Associates. Featuring Joshua Garcia, Dave Johnson, Henry Koskoff, Shelby McDonald, Nkosi Nkululeko, and DS Waldman
Thursday 5/15 (5:30pm) – Late Shift with National Youth Poet Laureate Stephanie Pacheco and Guest Poets
ROTUNDA STAGE from 5:30-6:30 PM
Stephanie Pacheco curates a reading featuring original work from herself and guest poets.
READING ROOM (ongoing through the evening)
Spend some time with T&W staff and create generative writing pieces and responses to Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers.
Stephanie Pacheco
Saturday 5/17 (1pm) – Creative Aging Reading with Writers from VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Selis Manor
Hear the Visionaries from T&W’s 8-week Spring residency read original creative writing and display original visual artwork inspired by The Bauhaus concept, Shakespeare, LEGO, and the fun of playing. Hosted by lead teaching artists Dave Johnson, Omar Ovalle, and Napoleon Felipe.
Monday 5/19 (4pm) – El Puente Academy for Peace & Justice Poetry Ambassadors Reading
Student poets from El Puente Academy share original poetry they created, revised, and rehearsed during their 8-week poetry mentorship program. Hosted by lead teaching artist Alba Hernandez.
Saturday 5/24 (1pm) – NY State Teen Poets Reading
Student poets from various points of T&W youth programming, including Poetry Out Loud and NY Youth Poet Laureate finalists, read original poetry. Featuring 2024-2025 NY State Youth Poet Laureate OlaRose Ndubuisi.
OlaRose Ndubuisi
Monday 5/26 (4pm) – Poetry Reading with Trace Howard DePass and Guest Poets
Hear original work by T&W Teaching Artist Trace Howard DePass and a curated list of guest poets.
Saturday 5/31 (1pm) – Poetry Reading curated by Trace Howard DePass and Guest Poets
Hear original work by T&W Teaching Artist Trace Howard DePass and a curated list of guest poets.