About
What is the Midwest Haiku Traveling Rock Garden?
The Midwest Haiku Traveling Rock Garden is a growing literary exhibit of previously-published haiku that celebrates English-language haiku. Thematically, it portrays images one may encounter in the Midwest.
What is meant by traveling?
The rocks are sized to be suitable for indoor settings and do not have a permanent home outdoors like a typical rock garden. The rock garden can travel to events with the curator, and can also be placed on loan with museums and other venues. The rock garden has been on display in venues such as Republic of Letters Books in Mineral Point, WI and Mead Public Library in Sheboygan, WI. Please email the curator or use the "Contact" feature to discuss further.
Is there a physical rock garden and a virtual rock garden?
Yes, when not on display the physical rock garden is held in storage by the curator in Miamisburg, OH, and photos of all rocks are viewable in the Online Gallery on this website.
Can I see the rocks in person?
Yes, opportunities to see the rocks in person may include haiku meetings, libraries, museums, etc. Current and upcoming events will be indicated on the home page of this website and also announced on the Facebook page.
Can you describe the rocks?
The rocks are purchased from a supplier in Lebanon, OH and are 6 - 9 inches in length with a smooth, flat surface. The lettering (poem, poet name, and first publication) is custom cut out of black vinyl with a computer-controlled cutting machine and applied to the rock. The entire rock is then sealed to protect the lettering. This process is done by hand in Miamisburg, OH.
Is this an ongoing project?
Yes, the plan is to have a submission period in May of each year. The 2025 Exhibit will be Midwest-themed and the 2026 Exhibit will be baseball-themed.
Who is the curator?
Matthew Markworth, a lifelong resident of the Midwest, has been active in the English-language haiku community for several years now, and is also active in Ohaio-ku, a haiku group in Ohio. His biographical sketch can be found in the Haikupedia at the following link: https://haikupedia.org/article-haikupedia/matthew-markworth/
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