The Kimball Art Center in Park City, Utah, is set to host an engaging slam poetry event titled "Gazing Eyes and Giving Ears" on Friday, coinciding with its ongoing exhibition, "Gaze Into These Eyes." The exhibit features works from artist fellows of the Center for Art and Advocacy, showcasing the personal experiences of individuals impacted by the United States carceral system. The event, which begins at 5 p.m., will feature local poets including Sammi Walker, Chris Atkin, Isabella Merritt-Khulmann, Monica Lisette, and RJ Walker, who will deliver spoken word performances that resonate with the themes of struggle and resilience depicted in the artwork. The "Gaze Into These Eyes" exhibit, which runs from September 26 through January 4, features a variety of artistic mediums, including oil paintings, textiles, photography, and film. The featured artists have all been affected by the criminal justice system, using their art to communicate their narratives and advocate for social change. Wesley Acastre, the outreach coordinator for the Kimball Art Center, emphasized the importance of the connections between art and community experience, stating, "Slam poetry has so much of a connection with community struggle and personal struggle, and I had planned this event out when thinking about the deep themes put into the exhibit." The motivation for the slam poetry event emerged from Acastre's recognition of how art can serve as a powerful vehicle for expression and healing. He noted that the exhibit curated by Nancy Stoaks has a unique way of presenting the often stigmatized narratives surrounding incarceration, bringing a sense of reverence and humanity to a subject that is frequently viewed negatively. Acastre expressed his excitement about collaborating with the Center for Art and Advocacy, highlighting the profound impact this partnership has had on the participating artists. "Getting to see the impact that the Center for Art and Advocacy has had on these artists has been something special," he said, recalling how some artists visited the gallery and shared their insights on how their experiences shaped their works. The slam poetry performances are designed to complement the visual elements of the exhibit. According to Acastre, this integration aims to enrich the audience's understanding of the artists' struggles and triumphs. He stated, "I thought it was such a unique and amazing thing to collaborate with an organization that is as impactful as the Center for Art and Advocacy. It showcases the different ways people share their experiences through various art forms." The event also serves as an opportunity for community engagement and dialogue. Acastre has noted that there is a strong community of artists in Salt Lake City who use platforms like open-mic events to share their stories. He remarked, "There’s a space in Salt Lake City that hosts open-mic poetry and singing events that allow people to express themselves and share their stories. I wanted to find artists who were local, who could bring their voices into the gallery and connect with the audience." The collaboration with Salt City Slam has been instrumental in facilitating this connection, allowing Acastre to select artists eager to perform in the gallery space. The event, however, also comes with a note of caution. Given the sensitive themes surrounding incarceration and personal hardship, Acastre advises parents and guardians to use discretion when bringing children to the event, saying, "We wanted to make sure that the event would be presented at the community level but not censure the artists." The ongoing exhibit and the accompanying slam poetry event have garnered positive responses from local schools, where Acastre has been implementing lessons related to the themes presented in the artwork. He has witnessed firsthand the impact of these discussions on students, noting that some have used the art as a means to process their own experiences with the criminal justice system. "Some teachers come in skeptical, but overall the reception has been strong and positive," Acastre observed, indicating that the educational outreach has been well-received by the community. The Kimball Art Center aims to foster a deeper understanding of these complex issues through art and poetry, allowing for a space where community members can gather, reflect, and engage with each other's stories. Acastre's enthusiasm for the event highlights the center's commitment to highlighting important social issues through artistic expression. He hopes that as many people as possible will attend the slam poetry night and witness the powerful performances that resonate with the themes of the exhibit. The "Gazing Eyes and Giving Ears" slam poetry event promises to be a thought-provoking and enriching experience, set against the backdrop of art that speaks to the complexities of the human experience shaped by the criminal justice system. Event Details: When: 5 p.m. on Friday, January 2 Where: Kimball Art Center, 1251 Kearns Blvd. Cost: Free, but RSVPs are encouraged at kimballartcenter.org/events. The exhibit "Gaze Into These Eyes" will remain on display through January 4, offering visitors a chance to engage with the powerful narratives shared by the artists featured in the show.