XOXO Studio is a special offering from the Kinder HSPVA Creative Writing Department: a pop-up poetry booth for made-to-order Valentine’s Day poems!
In February, Creative Writing students traveled to office buildings downtown and set up their festive poetry studio during the lunchtime rush. Building tenants lined up to request one-of-a-kind poems dedicated to their loved ones. First, visitors provided the poets with the name of the poem’s recipient, plus a few points of inspiration—like how they met, a favorite food, or a memorable travel destination. On the spot, the Creative Writers composed a custom poem with a hand-lettered calligraphy envelope. Their witty creativity spread smiles and cheer! Some visitors were even moved to tears when they read the poem written for their loved ones. You can read some of these poems below!
These special keepsakes were paid for by generous corporate sponsors and given to building tenants free of charge. XOXO Studio visited Kinder HSPVA’s friends and neighbors at Hess, Brookfield Properties’ Allen Center and Houston Center, and Hines’ Texas Tower. Their sponsorships directly benefit the Creative Writing Department, increasing students’ access to the essential building blocks of a quality writing education: professional teaching artists; residencies with renowned writers; photography, videography, and editing equipment; writing software; books and supplies; and scholarships for extracurricular activities that connect students to colleges and universities.
Interested in bringing XOXO Studio to your office? Contact HSPVA Friends Director of Strategic Engagement Matthew Jamison.
