JESSIE REIMER
Staff Writer
“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world,” said John Keating, played by Robin Williams, in the 1989 Oscar-winning film “Dead Poet’s Society.” The newly created Santa Monica Poet Society echoes that same mission, as it encourages artists of all types to share and expand their creativity.
Last Thursday evening, Pepperdine seniors Peter Hamilton and Clara Spaulding hosted the first-ever Santa Monica Poet Society meeting. The gathering at Hamilton’s Santa Monica residence welcomed more than 30 people, including a handful of fellow Pepperdine poets and artists.
“The society was created because I felt like there wasn’t anything around that was like it,” Hamilton said.
Instead of forming a traditional on-campus organization, Hamilton and Spaulding decided to branch out into the local community, as well.
“I don’t want this to be a Pepperdine thing per se,” Hamilton said. “I want this to be about artists.”
The society is a great excuse for artistic people and those who appreciate art to have a place where they can feel free and welcome to express themselves, according to Hamilton. This is why he said he would like to keep it an off-campus gathering, though all are welcome to attend. Hamilton stresses that anyone can share and perform regardless of talent and experience.
“I want to create a safe environment for artists of all kinds to come and express themselves,” he said.
The tagline described the event as a night of enlightenment and artistic appreciation. “It is a formal gathering of respect and appreciation for one another’s’ uniqueness and individuality while coming together as a community,” said Hamilton.
The night began with social mingling among the attendees, and at around 9 p.m. the scheduled performances began. Various types of art were showcased at the event, including line drawings, acrylic paint, sculpture, poetry, guitar, piano and original songs.
“Everyone was extremely talented,” said junior Lauren Carter. For example, Ned Hagoski, a Santa Monica local, displayed a surfboard he created entirely from scratch.
The open and supportive community provided an opportunity for creative expansion and artistic expression, according to Carter.
“People were there without the confines of an art class and without any sort of guidelines as to what they could do,” Carter said.
Sophomore Donovan Brambila said he appreciated his friendly peers and described them as “a very welcoming community of people who share a mutual respect for art.”
According to junior Jessica Rotter, the night was a huge success.
“Not only was it a great turn out, but everyone loved it and is planning on coming to the next meeting,” she said. “It isn’t just poetry of written word, it’s poetry that is found in every art form.”
Hamilton said he is looking forward to the continued success and expansion of the society.
“I hope it gets huge,” Hamilton said. “I hope that more people get excited about art.”
The society welcomes any and all artists to share, perform and present their art, words and ideas. Students can attend the next Santa Monica Poet Society meeting on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.
Meetings are scheduled for the last Thursday of each month from 8 to 11 p.m.
For more information, contact Hamilton at (310) 749-1862.
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