T&W at the Guggenheim
May 2025 — Teachers & Writers Collaborative (T&W) is proud to have presented 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 presented 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.
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. 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
Make a Poem/Take a Poem Workshop (5/3/2025) – T&W Teaching Artist Dave Johnson hosted a guerrilla writing workshop inviting participants to engage with poetry in a collaborative, interactive way, culminating in a reading.
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International High School Poetry Club Reading (5/5/2025) – Student poets from International High School at Union Square’s Poetry Club culminated their 10-week T&W residency by sharing original poetry and showcasing their residency anthology. Hosted by lead teaching artist Libby Mislan.
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Teaching Artist Reading (5/10/2025) – T&W teaching artists, staff, and education associates read from their original work. Featuring Daemond Arrindell, Alba Delia Hernández, Elise Hyrak, Libby Mislan, and Donnie Welch.
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Teaching Artist Reading (5/12/2025) – T&W teaching artists, staff, and education associates read from their original work. Featuring Joshua Garcia, Dave Johnson, Henry Koskoff, Shelby McDonald, Nkosi Nkululeko, and DS Waldman.
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Late Shift with National Youth Poet Laureate Stephanie Pacheco and Guest Poets (5/15/2025) – Stephanie Pacheco curated a reading featuring original work from herself and guest poets. The evening also included generating writing pieces and responses to Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers.
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Creative Aging Reading with Writers from VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Selis Manor (5/17/2025) – The Visionaries from T&W’s 8-week spring residency read original creative writing and displayed original visual artwork inspired by the Bauhaus, Shakespeare, LEGO, and the fun of playing. Hosted by lead teaching artists Dave Johnson, Omar Ovalle, and Napoleon Felipe.
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El Puente Academy for Peace & Justice Poetry Ambassadors Reading (5/19/2025) – Student poets from El Puente Academy shared original poetry they created, revised, and rehearsed during their 8-week poetry mentorship program. Hosted by lead teaching artist Alba Delia Hernández.
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NY State Teen Poets Reading (5/24) – Student poets from T&W youth programs, including Poetry Out Loud and NY Youth Poet Laureate finalists, read original poetry. Featuring 2024-2025 NY State Youth Poet Laureate OlaRose Ndubuisi.
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Poetry Reading with Trace Howard DePass and Guest Poets (5/26) – T&W Teaching Artist Trace Howard DePass curated a reading featuring his own work and guest poets.
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Poetry Reading curated by Trace Howard DePass and Guest Poets (5/31) – T&W Teaching Artist Trace Howard DePass curated a reading featuring his own work and guest poets.
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