The Joy of Haiku Writing

Saturday, November 14th from 11 am - 1 pm $60 for Gualala Arts Members, $90 for Non Members, sign up online at GualalaArts.org or at the Gualala Arts Front Desk by November 7 Poetry lovers and curious wordsmiths are invited to explore the elegant simplicity of haiku in a special writing workshop led by award-winning poet Laura Leigh. The Joy of Haiku Writing takes place Saturday November 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gualala Arts Center. Back by popular demand, Leigh will guide participants through the timeless art of haiku—three lines, seventeen syllables, and a deep connection to nature and the world around us. Rooted in 17th-century Japan, haiku has flourished across centuries, offering a meditative and expressive form for poets of all levels. The workshop also honors the legacy of Jane Reichhold, a prolific modern haiku writer and Leigh’s personal mentor. Gualala Arts commemorates Reichhold’s contributions with a dedicated stone along its Haiku Path, a quiet tribute to the enduring power of poetic reflection. Laura Leigh’s literary career spans more than twenty years, with three published books and accolades from festivals such as Ukiahaiku. Her passion for language and emotion shines through her work, inspiring others to find their own poetic voice. The workshop fee is $60 for Gualala Arts members and $90 for non-members. Registration closes November 7 and can be completed online at GualalaArts.org or at the Gualala Arts front desk. Please note: cancellations incur a $35 fee, and no refunds will be issued after the registration deadline. Participants should bring a pen, paper, and a dictionary. Whether you’re new to haiku or returning to the form, this workshop offers a peaceful and inspiring space to write, reflect, and connect. Pen, paper and a dictionary Gualala Arts retains a $35 fee for cancellations, no refunds after the “Sign Up By” date of November 7 501(c)(3) Tax ID# 94-6121872 The Gualala Arts Center gratefully acknowledges the Native Peoples whose ancestral homelands we now share, and specifically the Pomo of Kashia and Manchester-Point Arena tribes, the first inhabitants of what is now coastal Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. We recognize the legacies of displacement and settlement that bring us together here and honor our shared commitment to being respectful and responsible protectors of land, water, people, arts, and culture.