Celebrating Creativity: Join Us for the Black Out Poetry Contest Awards Reception in Sanford

Creativity shines brightest when young voices find a platform to express themselves. The Black Out Poetry Contest in Lee County offers just that—a unique way for students to explore language and art by transforming printed text into new poetic works. This April, the Lee County Arts Council invites the community to celebrate these young talents at the awards reception. Mark your calendars for April 20th, 2026, at 5 p.m., and join us at the Arts Council office and gallery in the Mann Center, located at 507 North Steele Street, Sanford, NC.

This event promises to be a memorable evening filled with inspiration, recognition, and community spirit. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast, a supporter of youth arts, or simply curious about this creative form, the reception offers a chance to witness the power of words and imagination.

What Is Black Out Poetry?

Black Out poetry is a creative writing form where poets take a page of printed text—often from newspapers, books, or magazines—and selectively black out words to reveal a new poem. The remaining visible words form a fresh, original piece that can be emotional, humorous, or thought-provoking.

This art form encourages:

• Creativity: Students must think critically about language and meaning.

• Artistic expression: The visual aspect of blacking out text adds a layer of design.

• Literacy skills: It promotes reading comprehension and vocabulary.

• Personal voice: Each poem reflects the unique perspective of its creator.

  
  

For young students, this contest is more than a competition; it is an opportunity to engage with literature in an innovative way.

About the Contest and Participants

The Black Out Poetry Contest was open to young students across Lee County. Participants received a page of text to create their own blackout poem, which was submitted for judging. This year, the contest saw a diverse range of entries, showcasing the creativity and talent of local youth.

Judges evaluate poems based on:

• Originality

• Creativity in word selection and blackout design

• Emotional impact

• Clarity of expression

  
  

The contest encourages students to experiment with language and to find their own poetic voice. Many participants have shared how the process helped them see familiar texts in a new light and sparked a deeper interest in poetry.

The Lee County Arts Council gallery will host the awards reception, showcasing the winning blackout poems.

Details of the Awards Reception

The awards reception will take place at the Lee County Arts Council office and gallery in the Mann Center. This welcoming space provides the perfect setting to honor the young poets and their work.

Event details:

• Date: April 20th, 2026

• Time: 5 p.m.

• Location: Lee County Arts Council office/gallery, Mann Center, 507 North Steele Street, Sanford, NC

  
  

During the reception, attendees will have the chance to:

• View the winning blackout poems displayed throughout the gallery

• Meet the young poets and hear them share their inspirations

• Enjoy light refreshments and connect with fellow community members

• Learn more about the Lee County Arts Council’s programs and upcoming events

  
  

This event is free and open to the public, making it a wonderful opportunity for families, educators, and poetry lovers to come together.

Why Attend the Awards Reception?

Attending the awards reception offers several benefits:

• Support local youth: Celebrate the hard work and creativity of Lee County students.

• Experience innovative poetry: Black Out poetry offers a fresh take on language and art.

• Connect with the arts community: Meet artists, educators, and supporters who share a passion for creativity.

• Inspire young minds: Your presence encourages students to continue exploring their artistic talents.

  
  

The reception is also a chance to see how art can transform everyday materials into meaningful expression. It highlights the importance of arts education and community involvement in nurturing young talent.

Tips for Creating Your Own Black Out Poem

If you want to try blackout poetry yourself, here are some simple steps to get started:

1. Choose a text: Find a page from a newspaper, magazine, or book.

2. Read through the text: Look for words or phrases that stand out to you.

3. Circle or highlight words: Select the words you want to keep in your poem.

4. Black out the rest: Use a marker to cover the remaining words.

5. Add artistic touches: You can decorate the page with drawings or patterns to enhance your poem’s mood.

   
   

Experimenting with blackout poetry can be a fun way to explore language and creativity, whether you are a student or an adult.