UNO Grad Returns to Share Passion and Power of Poetry

To Britny Cordera, the four panels that make up a comic strip seem like the perfect place for poetry. The University of Nebraska Omaha alum, poet, and journalist will lead attendees through their own comic making journey on Oct. 17, 6:00 P.M., at the Pearl Blizek Lecture in Religion and Art at the Samuel Bak Museum.

In the presentation, “Comics, Poetry, and Self-Care: Creative Expression for Well-being,” Cordera will guide participants through the process of using comic poems as a therapeutic outlet. Based on previous curriculum Cordera developed with a friend and fellow comic artist, the event aims to inspire artistic expression for all. Whether they’re a novice at penning poetry and pictures – or a pro – attendees can expect to walk away from the lecture with new a new practice for their mental health toolkit.

“It's honestly for anybody that wants to learn about this form of expression of poetry and comics, and then also to learn another tool of self-care and self-expression,” said Cordera.

As a University of Nebraska Omaha student, Cordera double majored in creative writing and religious studies. Now, as she returns to Omaha to lead the Pearl Blizek Lecture, she’s bringing the new skills she’s gained back to the community that helped build her creative foundation.

During her undergraduate career, Cordera made a name for herself as the “Old Market Poet” as she provided poems to passersby with her trusty typewriter. Her typewriter poetry helped her bring the art form to new audiences, while also providing opportunities for her to strengthen her artistic skills.

Through her Old Market poetry, Cordera learned the importance of art accessibility. By providing space for participants to see the creation of prose right in front of them, art became more approachable and less daunting. It’s a concept that drives Cordera in her passion for poetry – and is something she hopes to bring to others on Oct. 17.

“It's an art form for the people,” Cordera said. “If you know how to use words... you can write the poem.”