Bloomsburg, Pa. — Language and visual arts combine for Artspace Gallery’s “Poets and Artists 2,” an exhibition that partners the skills of the River Poets and Artspace Gallery’s member artists. For the exhibit, member artists created brand new art pieces inspired by original poetry from the River Poets.

The exhibit opens Thursday, Feb. 20 with a reception on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 4-6 p.m. The reception will feature a poetry reading and an artists’ discussion about the processes involved in creating the works on display at 4:30. The original art pieces and a book of poetry by the River Poets will be available for purchase. Light refreshments and food will be served.

The River Poets are a group of poets and lovers of poetry who meet monthly to share in the oral tradition of the written word. Their readings follow a simple format: usually a featured reader, sometimes a performer, followed with an open reading opportunity where they encourage either a 3-poem or 5-minute time constraint. All people and all works are welcome. Attendees can bring original items, works from favorite poet(s), songs, stories, even a fabrication or two. River Poets offers publication opportunities through River Poets Press.

From September through May, the River Poets meet at the Bloomsburg Public Library on the first Thursday of the month starting at 7:30 p.m. During the summer months of June through August, the program shifts outdoors to one of the many parks in the Bloomsburg area, weather permitting, and starts at 7 p.m.

Artspace Gallery is open Thursdays through Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. or by appointment.