Poetry & Pollution Opening Event, May 10, 2023

The exhibition Poetry & Pollution: Mel Weisburd and Los Angeles was launched with an opening event on the morning of May 10, 2023, at the exhibition space in the second-floor bridge at JFK Library.  Researched and curated by students in ENGL 3930 (“Introduction to Archival Research”), the exhibition presented a small collection of archival artifacts illustrating the life and work of poet, editor, and early Los Angeles “smog inspector” Mel Weisburd, who got his start as a Cal State LA creative writing student in the 1950s.  After spending much of the semester researching and curating the exhibition, students in the class divided into three task groups – Installation, Promotion, and Docent Education – to bring the exhibition to the public.  While the Installation Team made difficult decisions about the aesthetic of the show itself, Library Communications Specialist Kelsey Brown helped the Promotion Group to develop a publicity campaign, including the flyer included here.  On the day of the exhibit, engaging tours by the student docents introduced the show’s message to dozens of students, faculty, and Cal State LA VIPs. 

Photographs provided by Brisa Cabrera, Bernabe Estrada, and Kate Maruyama.