Opening the Gates to Trestle Bridge Poetry by Peri Hayes Founded by Julie Berry, Avi Silver and Sienna Tristen, Trestle Bridge Poetry is a public reading which showcases local artists and liter- ary talent. Having launched on April 17th with Kit Roffey as their fea- tured artist, this creative crew offers insight into their latest venture. Sienna previously ran The Word On The Street in Toronto; Canada’s largest book festival, hosting 150,000 attendees over a two-day period. While carrying forward a familiar focus on facilitating engaging and interactive opportunities, Trestle Bridge Poetry simultaneously curates an intimate experience. The cul- ture and energetic nature of ‘basement poetry’ is revitalized, while integrating a professional polish and personable warmth -- ensuring that guests feel welcomed and cared for. Sienna details, “Along with being the railway capital, ‘Trestle Bridge’ encompasses the crossing of the bridge in a brave way. With poetry moving from one person’s soul and reaching another, we strive for people to embark on that adventure in a safe space.” To this, Avi proceeds, “I am excited for people to come together — of all ages and backgrounds — cheering for one another. Cultivated through love, the fact that this is happening in St. Thomas feels important.” Last year, Sienna and Avi relocated to St. Thomas with a social circle of four. As a means to increase visibility of the local arts, they took it upon themselves to discover what is available in the community and what people are yearning for. For Avi, The Atrium has been a connective light in this community. Meanwhile, at the 2025 Railway City Music and Arts Festival, Sienna curated a booth for the pair to sell their books. During this time, they were introduced to many community members and entrepreneurs. As their network expanded, Sienna and Avi met Julie. These three gathered at the local Lotus Thai to enjoy cups of tea and their shared zest for poetry. Accomplished writer, Julie, voices, “I feel fantastic to have these two willing to help bring this vision to life. What I saw in them was a genuine and passionate desire to share poetry -- to speak, to be heard, and to be seen.” The team conveys immense gratitude for community support and their local sponsors, including Studio Arts Music Academy (technology) and Railway City Tourism (funding featured artists during their spring season). Sienna expresses about their third, “St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is a beautiful venue with great acoustics and visual interest, creating a multi-media celebration.” On the third Friday of every month, the gates to Trestle Bridge Poetry open at 6:00 pm. There is a designated 30-minute
window reserved for open mic, operating on a first-come first- served basis. The featured artist presents at 7:00 pm, with a social thereafter. With inquiries or sponsorship interest, message ‘Trestle Bridge Poetry’ on Instagram.
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Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026 • Page 11
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