Stacks of poetry books next to a vintage purple typewriter

Clutch Collective is hosting a special event with Marietta poet Christopher Poindexter for Marietta Main Street’s First Friday on February 2nd, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Poindexter will have copies of his latest book, English Leather, available for purchase and will be signing copies, as well as individual typewritten poems.

Originally from Camden, Arkansas, Poindexter is a poet and aspiring musician who moved to Marietta last spring from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“We moved here because we were simply yearning for more of a quiet life. I am from Southern Arkansas and my partner is from West Virginia,” said Poindexter. “I had spent the previous years living all over the place, from LA to Atlanta to Manhattan. When we met, I think we both wanted to try the big city thing one last time, but we both felt a soulful calling towards quiet. She showed me Marietta once while I was visiting from New York, and honestly, I fell in love with it. Quiet, charming, artistic, and more than enough to do. We love it here so much!”

As an artist, Poindexter cherishes the arts and tries to indulge in many different forms and cultures for inspiration. He also loves nature, coffee, animals, and solitude. “I believe it is essential for us to keep growing ourselves and our art. To work forward a better self and world,” he said. Poindexter is the author of several books, including Naked Human, Lavender, Old Soul Love, and English Leather.

A young man with long hair pulled back wearing a yellow t-shirt and dark pants leaning against a painted wall

English Leather is Poindexter's first book of full-length poetry. A collection of poems from 2016-2020 that he wrote for a project called "As I listen to Jazz," which was an exploration of voice within poetics, being inspired by some of his heroes, and being open and honest about some things he couldn't say to anyone, other than the white blank page. He wrote most of the poems listening to jazz, or simply being inspired by the spontaneity of jazz itself.

Poindexter said he found poetry at the age of 18 and clung to it as a means of escape - an outlet.

“Growing up in a small town in the south, I was always drawn to what I didn’t see in front of me. Poetry was longing. I think that still rings true for me. I’m very drawn to the human condition, but also to the abstract world. To honest stories, but also to daydream, and the dream. I try to blend those together the best I can.”

Some of his biggest inspirations within poetics are Carl Sandburg, Arthur Rimbaud, Adrienne Rich, Mary Oliver, Allen Ginsberg, Sylvia Plath, Billy Collins, Bob Kaufman, Lucille Clifton, and so on. “I have many! I try to read to learn, listen, and just hope my voice grows naturally.”

From 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, February 2nd, Poindexter will be set up inside Clutch Collective at 152 Front Street. He will have copies of English Leather, which was published in June of 2020 and will be signing copies.

You can find Poindexter’s published works on his website, www.christopherpoindexter.org, and through Jack Wild Publishing.

Clutch Collective is an independent art shop located in downtown Marietta celebrating culture, community, and creativity in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Open since November 2021, the shop is open seven days a week at 152 Front Street.