National Poetry Month Event

Art + Sound

Thursday, April 9, 7:00–8:30pm

Register here: $30 general admission, $20 for seniors and students, and $15 for members

In conjunction with Art, Jazz + the Blues, Art + Sound highlights the synergy between poetry, sound, and visual arts through the work of local creatives. This April, MoCA\CT celebrates National Poetry Month by hosting spoken word performances within the galleries to examine how these disciplines interact.

The night features poet Sahmra Sawyer, who will perform original pieces written in response to the artworks in the exhibition alongside works from poets who inspire her. Accompanied by soft jazz music playing in the background, the event also features local artist Lauren Clayton, who will live-paint a large-scale canvas to translate the spoken words and themes of the exhibit. Guests can also enjoy food from the 29 Markle CT food truck. 29 Markle CT Restaurant is a Bridgeport staple known for its sophisticated take on soul food and seasonal ingredients, bringing a local culinary perspective to the evening.

The Experience
The Introduction: Opening remarks on how music, poetry, and art have always been intertwined in the Westport community.
Act I: Sahmra Sawyer begins her performance, weaving her words through the exhibition.
Intermission: A break to enjoy light refreshments, walk the galleries, and catch a vibe with the community.
Act II: The conclusion of the night’s poetry and the completion of the live-painted work.

Sahmra Sawyer is a Norwalk native, Sahmra has grown into a Spoken Word Poet better known as Supreme Divinity. Supreme has performed at renowned venues like TheaterWorks in Hartford, CT; Bijou Theater in Bridgeport, CT; Nublu in New York City; Brooklyn Poets, and was featured on Fox 61 in 2023 for the “Rooted in Resilience” Juneteenth special.
She is the Founder and Host of, We’ve Got Something to Say, a thriving poetry platform and community collective based in Bridgeport, CT. Her mission is to create safe spaces where voices are heard using her skills as an MSW student, the transformative power of storytelling, and community, to foster healing and connection.

Lauren Clayton is the founder of Studio 162 and a graduate of the Cooper Union School of Art. A Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar alum and recipient of the Miller Brewing Company’s Urban Entrepreneur Grant, Lauren’s work is known for its bold color and storytelling. Beyond her studio, she is a fixture in the local art scene, dedicated to mentoring design students and advocating for non-profits through her creative work.

This event is made possible by the generous support of Absolute Best Home Care in Westport, CT.

Sahmra Sawyer:                             Lauren Clayton: