Poetry Made Simple

Uncover your creative voice and explore the joy of self-expression through poetry - no experience required.

Poetry doesn’t have to be complicated - it begins with your own voice. In this relaxed and supportive three-hour beginner workshop, you’ll discover simple, practical ways to write poems that reflect who you are and what matters most to you. Together, we’ll explore imagery, language and personal reflection through short, engaging exercises that make poetry approachable, fun, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re brand new to poetry or returning to writing after many years, this session will help ignite the creative spark within and leave you inspired to keep writing long after the session ends.

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Stratford Perth Museum

Price: $65.00 plus tax 

Bonus Poet Package Price: $100 plus tax includes a copy of the award-winning book Stratford Gems ($45 value). If this is a holiday gift, the book can be personally signed by the author and picked up at the museum.

What To Bring: 
Notebook, journal or computer
Pen or pencil
A favourite poem or short reading that inspires you
An open and curious heart

Workshop Leader: Heidi Sander

Multi-award-winning poet, Pushcart Prize nominee, best-selling author and passionate performer Heidi Sander’s poems have appeared in literary journals, anthologies, multiple artistic collaborations and her bestselling poetry collections. Her award-winning poetry book series, Stratford Gems is her love song to Stratford, and her award-winning books, When I Miss You, and Grief & Loss Guided Journal are used in hospice programs. The short film, “How We Live On,” based on her award-winning poem, was featured in the inaugural Stratford Film Festival. 

Whether sharing the stage with dancers and musicians, or with aspiring poets and artists, Heidi's greatest joy is encouraging others to share their voice. She is the founder of Pathways to Poetry Festival, the multimedia online course, “Pathways To Poetry,”, "Canada Is Our Poem" national poetry prize, and co-founder of Stratford's monthly Community Poetry open mic event. Some of her artistic collaborations benefit Rotary Hospice, Optimism Place and Wellspring Stratford through partnerships with benefactors.

www.instagram.com/heidisanderwriter

What You'll Learn:
1) Identify and express your own poetic voice with gentle guidance from a supportive instructor
2) Turn thoughts and everyday experiences into simple, meaningful poems
3) Gain confidence exploring your creativity in a relaxed, encouraging environment where sharing is always optional
4) Learn approachable techniques and creative practices to continue writing independently

What Makes This Workshop Different?
A hands-on, interactive workshop designed to help you start writing poetry right away, in a relaxed, encouraging space. Led by a compassionate, inspiring instructor, you’ll explore simple, practical exercises that make it easy to uncover your unique voice and express your thoughts and experiences with confidence.

Stay tuned for an intensive poetry workshop follow-up with Heidi Sander coming in March 2026 at the Stratford Perth Museum