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10 Years of ReFashion: Inspiration, Invitation, Creation

Ricardo Ruiz: Poetry Reading and Reception

About the Handwork Week 2026 BARN Workshop: Portals of the Poetic Self: The Five Senses

As part of BARN’s Handwork Week, Ruiz will lead “Portals of the Poetic Self: The Five Senses” (April 27–May 1, 2026, 1–5 PM daily), an immersive workshop exploring sensory-rich poetry grounded in lived experience. Participants will engage in close readings, peer workshops, and personalized feedback sessions, learning to approach stories with honesty and care while developing a polished portfolio of poems. This workshop offers guidance for writers at all levels, emphasizing storytelling in accessible language while honoring the raw truth of personal experience.

About the Artist

Ricardo Ruiz is a multi-dimensional writer of poetry and prose. The son of potato factory workers, Ricardo hails from Othello, Washington. His work draws from his experience as a first-generation Mexican-American and from his military service. Ricardo holds an Associate Degree in Business and Accounting from Big Bend Community College, where he was recognized as Student of the Year in both Business and Economics, and English Composition. He also holds a Bachelor of Art in Creative Writing from the University of Washington. While in the military, Ricardo earned the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving on four deployments, two to Afghanistan. His debut collection of poetry reached #1 on Amazon’s Hispanic-American Poetry Chart. He is passionate about elevating marginalized voices from rural communities and takes pride in being a conduit for cultural connection.

Learn more about Ruiz here.

Follow Ruiz on Instagram: @poetruiz