Teen Writers’s Symposium & More
Poetry Open Mic: Calling all teens/young adultswith a poem or story to share – Bring a poem, song or story to share or write one while you attend!
Teen Writers’ Symposium: So you want to be a writer? Teen Writers’ Symposium welcomes young writers grades 6th-12th. The immersive event will serve as an exciting platform to share ideas, learn from established authors, and nurture your craftsmanship.
Facing The College: The college essay helps students stand out as they tell their unique story in response to the Common App and other prompts. Write an essay featuring YOU. Learn strategies for brainstorming essay topics, review the Common App, and start your first essay. Receive feedback and coaching to finish, revise and polish your essay.
Have You Heard: Teen Podcasting Workshop: Calling all podcasters and audio storytellers! In this intensive summer workshop just for teens, you’ll report, write and produce a short nonfiction audio story about your life or community… in just four weeks! You’ll learn how to gather sound, do interviews, pull tape, write scripts… and get an awesome audio story together. Finished pieces will be shared in a special exhibition at the close of the workshop.
Amplify Your Voice at Summer Ink!
This summer we are inviting kids of all ages who have are looking to express their creativity, LEI is offering summer camps, evening ink, and weekend ink. Scholarships are available for all programs. Click here for the full summer schedule and program descriptions!
To register for summer programs, click the button below.
Giant Bananagrams Returns in 2024
Lake Erie Ink’s unique annual fundraiser is back! This year’s Giant Bananagrams tournament will be held at Cleveland Heights High School on March 23rd.
Giant Bananagrams brings together teams who compete for prizes by being the first to turn their letters into words on a 30x30ft board. The event also involves a raffle and haiku contest.
Join us for this afternoon of fun and games! Click here to view updated information on this year’s event.
Volunteer with Lake Erie Ink
Lake Erie Ink is looking for volunteers and board members! Volunteers at LEI have the opportunity to work with youth in a range of creative programs on weekends, after school, and during the day. We are always seeking dedicated individuals who want to make an impact in their community.
Check out the recent story about Chris Garson, a long time volunteer, in the Heights Observer:
https://heightsobserver.org/read/2023/12/28/lake-erie-ink-seeks-volunteers-and-board-members
Interested in working with LEI? Contact cbailey@lakeerierink.org to get started as a volunteer, or click here for more information about becoming a board member.
Join Personal Narrative – Our College Essay Workshop
Work with our skilled teaching artists to to master the common app essay and create powerful personal narrative. Hosted Mondays and Saturdays at Lake Erie Ink for Grades 10th-12th. See below to register.
Register for Paper Arts and Creative Play Days
Let your words illuminate at one of our weekend ink workshops. Click here to register! We will see you there!
Paper Arts
Creative Play Days
And:
Save the Date!
12th Annual Kids’ Comic Con
March 1st -2nd 2024
Purchase ‘Stirring The Plot’ Cookbook
Check out Lake Erie Ink’s second community cookbook! This volume features recipes, writing, and art from community members of all ages. The theme of this cookbook is “place and palate.”
Thank you to the local chefs who participated in the Stirring Stories project over the summer and contributed their tasty recipes to this book: Doug Katz of Zhug, Amba, and Chimi, Bridget Thibeault of Luna Bakery and Cafe, Melissa Khoury of Saucisson, Dylan Fallon of Ninja City, Jeremy Umansky of Larder, Marc and Carol White of Rid-All, and Chefs Carol and Koko of Convienent Vegan.
Purchase the cookbook here.
Teen Book Project is open for Submissions
The 2023-2024 Teen Book Project has begun! The 2023-24 theme is “Some Thing To Say.” Submissions are open from November 1st-December 31st. Learn More
Trivia Night with LEI’s Young Professionals Board!
Have an inkling for trivia? Join us for Fresh Ink Trivia Night in support of young writers in our community!
Wednesday, June 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at B-Side Lounge at the Grog Shop
Doors open at 6:30. Trivia will begin at 7:00.
Fun prizes and Ink related giveaways throughout the evening
The cost is $15 playing as an individual or $40 for a team up to 5 people.
B-Sides’ bar will be open to purchase drinks, and snacks will be provided!
Fresh Ink members promote Lake Erie Ink’s mission and events, organize fundraisers, and volunteer throughout the organization. It’s a great way to support Lake Erie Ink and get experience with nonprofits. Fresh Ink will have an open meeting on May 4 from 6-7pm at Lake Erie Ink for those interested in joining. Come help us plan our next fun event!
Summer Ink Begins! Spots still available
Splash into summer with Lake Erie Ink! Check out our returning programs like the Word Gardeners and Young Novelists summer camps, as well as new programs like the Cleveland MetroParks pop-up workshops and Community Write Nights.
View a detailed list of summer programs here, or click the button below to register.