Home

Poetry and creative writing are Kelsey Patterson's favorite forms of self-expression.

But living in a small town such as Steamboat Springs can make it difficult for Patterson, a senior at Steamboat Springs High School, and others her age to share their literary work with each other and the community at-large.

Two years ago, Patterson and Dexter Mahaffey, a former English teacher at the school, created Gnosis, a high school literary journal featuring the work of students.

"It was a way for the students in our school to really showcase their talent," Patterson said. "We have a lot of really talented students."

After publishing two issues in two years, Patterson and some of her peers involved with Gnosis hope to expand the journal to several issues this year.

In an attempt to generate interest and awareness of Gnosis, Patterson has organized an open mic night Thursday at Geeks Garage in downtown Steamboat.

Open to all members of the community, the 7 p.m. event encourages authors, poets, musicians and others with a passion for literature to stop by, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy local talent.

"I'm so excited to see what people have written and what students have to say," Patterson said, adding that she hopes older community members also will participate. "It's not just confined to poetry. We're certainly open to anything."

A similar open mic night held two years ago was a big success with a large student turnout.

"It was just a really good way for people to interact," Patterson said.

Patterson thinks the interest is out there for regular open mic nights featuring the work of locals.

"Hopefully if people know what's going on, they'll be excited to come," she said. "Hopefully this will be the first of many."

-- To reach Brent Boyer call 871-4234

or e-mail bboyer@steamboatpilot.com