Mariposa Poetry Retreat

The Mariposa Poetry Retreat began in 2011 to fuel, stimulate and challenge the passion of poets and writers from DC, MD, VA, FL, NY, MA, PA, and beyond, including Brazil. Since then we’ve been honored by the participation of incredible keynote speakers and faculty members as follows:

(2011): Kwame Alexander, Naomi Ayala, Monica Hand (1953-2016), Joseph Ross;
(2012): Ethelbert Miller, Mike Bosdavanos, Rocky DeLaPlaine, Kim Roberts;
(2013): Grace Cavalieri, Michael Davis, Jose (Joe) Gouveia (1964-2014), Yvette Neisser, and
          Maryland Poet Laureate, Stanley Plumly;
(2014): Dark;
(2015): Richard Peabody, Sarah Browning, Grace Cavalieri, Robert Giron, Cliff Lynn;
(2016): Merrill Leffler, Ann Bracken, Sarah Browning, Grace Cavalieri, Le Hinton;
(2017): Rose Solari, Abdul Ali, Yvette Neisser, Kim Roberts and Basil White; and each year, Michael Friend and Soul in Motion has joined us to "bless our boats" at the Welcome Reception.

What is so special about the Mariposa Poetry Retreat? We limit attendance to 25 participants. Yes, it's small compared to other retreats but we pack a lot into one weekend. It's an intimate space that offers a unique writing experience. We build community, the Mariposa family. It's “where the magic of poetry happens”!

Join us this year, October 5-7th, to celebrate and channel the muse with new and returning faculty members: Grace Cavalieri, Claudia Gary, Reuben Jackson, Brandon Johnson and keynote speaker, Michael S. Glaser, Maryland Poet Laureate (2004 – 2009). And as always, Michael Friend and Soul in Motion will get our blood pumping with West African drumming (and maybe some dancing too)!

With your continued support, we've been able to award scholarships to veterans, poets and international participants who would otherwise not have been able to attend. If you are interested and able to defray the cost of a participant, please let me know. Your generosity and tax- deductible contribution to the Capital Retreat Center is always appreciated!

If you've attended the Mariposa Poetry Retreat in the past, you won't want to miss this one either. If you haven't been yet, don’t miss this opportunity to join us!

2018 marks 7 years of memorable weekend retreats and Reunion Readings at the Writer’s Center in Bethesda. We also look forward to offering a week-long retreat, Writing in the Rainforest, in Puerto Rico in 2020!

Maritza Rivera aka Mariposa:
“Where the magic of poetry happens!”

CONTACT: mariposa611@gmail.com