MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – This weekend at the Middletown Art Center is dedicated to creative writing, poetry and the spoken word.

On Friday, Jan. 12, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., immerse yourself in an evening of sound healing, music and poetry featuring local poet and songwriter Heather Kipnis as Eroldi Idlore.

On Saturday, Jan. 13, from noon to 5 p.m., lifelong poet, author and instructor Clive Matson leads the Resilience Creative Writing class.

Eroldi Idlore, multi-instrumentalist shaman-of-the-new-paradigm invites you to MAC’s studio this Friday evening for an exotic compilation of sonic art designed to create a space for thoughtful listening. She reminds us all that, “the permeable heart can be softened by the transformative thoughts of the mind.”

Idlore uses various modalities to tap into a deep brainwave state. Through harmonics and overtones you will be drawn into a trance-like state perfect for hearing original songs from her latest album Shadow Raven.

The evening will draw to a close with readings of poetry from Violet Flame, her most recent book, offering the opportunity for entry into the higher realms of cognitive contemplation.

The suggested donation is $5, with book orders available.

On Saturday, adults and teens ages 12 and up are invited to participate in an afternoon dedicated to the art of writing, also in MAC’s studio.

Clive Matson’s workshops elicit the wordsmith within, whether you are a published writer or have never attempted to put pen to paper.

Using positive feedback, Matson’s “Crazy Child” workshops offer just the format and the safe space needed to give form to thoughts and emotions when dealing with the stories contained in our nervous systems. Learn more about Matson and his work at www.matsonpoet.com.

As one creative writing participant put it, “By the end of the five-hour class, I had written one short story, an essay and a poem from the proposed prompts. It was exhilarating to learn which phrases others found memorable and intriguing in my writing. I will definitely attend the workshop again and again.”

Reserve your spot online at www.middletownartcenter/org/resilience, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MAC’s Resilience Project offers Creative Writing as well as photography, painting and printmaking workshops that cycle every first through fourth weekend until the end of May 2018.

Classes are just $5, thanks to a grant from the California Arts Council with additional support from Adventist Health.

Middletown Art Center is located at 21456 State Highway 175 at the junction of Highway 29. The MAC Gallery features contemporary art work by Lake County artists and is open Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit www.middletownartcenter.org to learn more about classes, programs, events, becoming a supporting member or submitting work for consideration for exhibit.