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. Please email the curator or use the "Contact" feature to discuss further.
Is there a physical rock garden and a virtual rock garden?
Yes, 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, conferences, museums, etc. Upcoming events will be linked at the top 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 next submission period is in May 2025 for next year's annual Midwest-themed exhibit. There may also be additional submission periods in the future for Special Editions focused on a more specific topic, such as baseball.
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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​​The rock garden allows him the opportunity to spotlight some of our great haiku poets and to give back a little to the community that has given him so much.
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