TRUST THE HOURS

A poetry, broadside, and art exhibition to heal and foster empathy around mental health.
Organized by Rochester Poet Laureate Jean Prokott

On view through August 17, 2025
at the Historic Chateau Theatre

Trust the Hours is the culmination of Rochester Poet Laureate Jean Prokott’s work from her Academy of American Poets’ poet laureate fellowship. This exhibit features work of poets and artists from Rochester and Southern Minnesota who have created pieces that reflect a personal experience with mental illness—whether it’s their own or that of someone close—and we hope to welcome attendees to expression, empathy, and companionship. One in five suffer from mental illness, yet the stigma persists. Poetry and art are resistance & power as we find one another: even without speaking, we can meet someone who has lived in our same space or who can help us to see our space in a new light. 

Read about the project in the March 20, 2025 issue of Lavender magazine.

poets

Amanda Anyim
Melissa Brandt
Shontarious Golden
Samuel Hawkins II 
Lisa Higgs
Jean Prokott
Matt Rasmussen
Coach Rob
Leo Rodriguez 
Pam Sinicrope
Gwen Westerman
Wanjala Carlson
Isadora Kohler
Maxine Mayer
Mia Peña

visual artists

Molly Althoff
Kapono Asuncion
Brenna Brom
Nicholas Breutzman
Jessalyn Finch
Chloe Jenkins
Kristy Johnson
Nox Kennicutt
Bea Morrow 
Maggie Panetta
Tierney Parker 
Bri Rollins
Catherine Sit
Rosei Skipper  

A work of art or a poem is a moment—and a story, and a person, and then suddenly all of humanity. You are not alone. We come to know our whole community just one single story at a time.

**

If you or someone you know is in need of emotional support, there is help. Text or call 988 to connect with a crisis counselor right away. 

This project is made possible with support from Threshold Arts, the Academy of American Poets, Southeastern MN Poets, and the Greater Rochester Arts & Cultural Trust.

Cover art by Pono. Self Portrait, 2024.