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.

Exhibit Opening & Poetry Reading

Saturday, April 26th, 2025, 6:00 pm
at the Historic Chateau Theatre in downtown Rochester, MN

6:00–6:45: visit with Munchkin, the miniature therapy horse from Raising Hope Ranch
7:00–8:00: poetry reading
6:00–9:30:
- view the artists’ work and read the poems
- broadside (poem/art prints) release
- community art piece: self-portraits
- free stickers, journals, pens, jewelry, and temporary tattoos
- light refreshments provided
- Dry Run Mocktails pop-up bar

Trust the Hours will be free and open to the public through June 7th, 2025.

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.

Cover art by Pono. Self Portrait, 2024.