On Wednesday, September 9, Saint Joseph’s Arts Society will once again come alive with **Poolside Poets,** presented by Connie Lin, Rhea Joseph, Liz Cahill, and Decentered Arts.

For one dreamy evening, poetry, live music, dance, and fashion will share the same space, creating an atmosphere where imagination and community can unfold together.

The night will invite guests to embrace the theme **“Surreal”** —drawing inspiration from surrealism and optical illusions. Think looks and accessories that make people look twice, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination, with thrifted, upcycled, and creatively reimagined pieces encouraged.

The evening’s poetry lineup will feature **Connie Lin**, **Ada Genavia**, **jawno**, **Fidelius**, **Sage**, **Jeremy Michael Vasquez**, **Aracely Knox**, and **Cadence McCracken**, while **Silver Swoon** will provide the live music. **Hector “Intricate” Ascencio** will bring the evening into motion through dance.

As the doors open, guests will gather, mingle, and settle into the atmosphere before the performances begin. From there, the soaring halls of Saint Joseph’s Arts Society will become a meeting place for words, movement, sound, and surreal self-expression.

For a few hours, Poolside Poets will blur the line between poetry and performance, fashion and fantasy, inviting everyone to step into a world where the unexpected feels entirely at home.



Poolside Poets at Saint Joseph's Art Society

Poolside Poets returns with surreal fashion, poetry, live music, dance, and community, transforming Saint Joseph’s Arts Society into imaginative celebration.

On a midsummer evening, Saint Joseph’s Arts Society welcomed another luminous edition of Poolside Poets, presented by Decentered Arts alongside curators Char Lacsina, Rhea Joseph, and Liz Cahill. Inside the breathtaking historic venue founded by Ken Fulk, poetry, music, dance, and fashion came together for a celebration of artistic expression and community.

Guests arrived transformed for the evening’s "Birds Take Flight" dress code, filling the space with feathers, wings, sculptural headpieces, shimmering mirror work, vibrant colors, flowing capes, and imaginative silhouettes inspired by birds and midsummer magic.

The evening featured a captivating musical performance by Girl Swallows Nightingale ( <https://www.girlswallowsnightingale.com/> ), whose ethereal sound set the tone for the gathering.

Poets Genny Lim, San Francisco’s Poet Laureate, Ingrid Keir, Vida, Jonathan Siegel, Angel, Jennifer Barone, Nikki Love, Reno, and Charlie Getter each took the stage, sharing work that moved between reflection, joy, vulnerability, and celebration.

Movement artists Francis Eric Aquino and Mindy Ng brought the poetry into motion through expressive dance performances that added another layer of storytelling to the evening.

As the night unfolded beneath the soaring halls of Saint Joseph’s Arts Society, artists and guests alike gathered in conversation, performance, and celebration, creating another memorable chapter in the ongoing story of Poolside Poets.



Poolside Poets returned with bird-inspired fashion, featuring Girl Swallows Nightingale, Bay Area poets, dancers, and a vibrant community celebration.

On an evening at Decentered Studio, Decentered Arts celebrated the opening of Chloe King’s solo exhibition, welcoming the community for the first look at her recent body of work.

Guests gathered to experience an evening of art, conversation, and connection, exploring Chloe’s interdisciplinary practice spanning painting and photography. During the artist talk, Chloe shared insights into her creative process and the ideas that informed the exhibition, inviting visitors into the world behind the work.

Throughout the evening, DJ JAAG provided the soundtrack as guests enjoyed light refreshments, lingered with the artwork, and connected with one another in the studio’s warm, intimate atmosphere.

The opening reception marked the beginning of Chloe King’s exhibition, launching an ongoing showcase of her work and celebrating another season of contemporary art and community at Decentered Arts.



Stumbling Two Steps - Art Show by Chloe King ( Opening Party ) 

Chloe King’s solo exhibition opened at Decentered Studio with an artist talk, DJ JAAG, and an evening of art and community.


On September 29th, Decentered Studio came alive to celebrate the debut of Jessica Kie McCallum’s poetry collection, _Yang Sayang_. Friends, family, and community members gathered for an evening of art, poetry, and conversation in honor of this landmark publication from Decentered Press.
The evening opened with live music by Nic Hampton—who also designed the book’s striking cover—setting the tone for what followed. A lineup of powerful poetry readings by Connie Lin, Lilly Shi, and Lorrie Change brought their unique voices to the stage before the spotlight shifted to Jess, who shared selections from _Yang Sayang_.
The program continued with a lively Q&A featuring members of the publishing team—Rhea Joseph, Liz Cahill, and Ben Draffin—who discussed the book’s journey to publication. The night closed with a book signing, where attendees had the chance to connect with Jess personally and leave with signed copies of _Yang Sayang_.
Guests dined on Indonesian snacks catered by Dakota (@kamu\_siapa\_kitchen), and Jessica's famous coconut sticky rice Mia Terracotta captured the warmth and beauty of the evening in her lense. The book is available for purchace [here](https://decentered.org/books). 


Yang Sayang by Jessica Kie McCallum Book Launch

Jessica Kie McCallum's debut poetry book Yang Sayang launched on decentered press. This was also the first solo book published off Decentered Press. 

On an evening in mid-August the Phoenix Hotel hosted our 19th Pooslide Poets. 

Guests came dressed in their best "Walk of Shame"
Think: disheveled glam, club top and sweatpants, slip dress and sneakers, messy bun, one earring, sunglasses indoors, flannel over sequins, heels with gym shorts, trench coat over pajamas, yesterday’s makeup, wet hair, hoodie and mini skirt, neon with fur, lingerie as outerwear, suit pants no shirt, oversized blazer and bare legs, socks and sandals, bedhead and smudged eyeliner, crocs with fishnets, morning-after eyes, last night’s outfit reimagined, regret couture, mix & match: satin, flannel, mesh, leather, denim, silk, whatever survived the night

Featured Poets: Carlos Quinteros III, Elijah Madnewton, Heather Gibbons, Jennifer Elizabeth, Liam Clickenger, London Pinkney, May-Li Khoe, MH Lopez, Niambi Walker, Nicole Rose Schoonbrood

Featured Musician: FREQz **<https://www.instagram.com/freqzzzz/?hl=en>**

Dancers: Erica Knox & Ai Yin


Poolside Poets August 2025

An evening of beautifully disheveled fun. 

On an evening in mid-July the Phoenix Hotel hosted Poolside Poets.

Guests came dressed in their best "Retro Romance"

Think: Gatsby glitz and red lips, swaying fringe and beaded silhouettes, vintage waistlines, feathered headpieces, drop-waist dresses with chunky heels, velvet suits and pocket watches, fringe skirts with platform sandals, powdered cheeks and dramatic liner, sequined shawls over thrifted coats, pearl chokers with leather jackets — mix & match: satin, fringe, beading, velvet, tulle, sequins, lace, denim, whatever felt glamorous and nostalgic

Featured Poets: Rhea Joseph, Juliane Roberts-Hansen, Nicole Rose Schoonbrood, Nes Hafsa, Mary Evans, Izara Achamyalesh, Mariket Mayeno, Joshua Reyes

Featured Musician: Tasha Malan (Spotify: <https://open.spotify.com/artist/3GRhNGSo9XSH5QyogIA8b9?si=VWTvUdeKSnyiS_2pQk78Fg> )

Dancers: Remi Blakesley & Kai Hannigan


Poolside Poets July 2025

Gatsby glam kissed poetic passion poolside. Guests swayed in fringe and verse, draped in vintage dreams and feathered fire. 


Mia Terracotta

Poolside Poets - 08-14-2025 - Mia Terracotta

Three individuals stand together smiling in front of abstract blue and white artwork. They hold drinks, conveying a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.

A person with tattoos plays a ukulele passionately under colorful stage lights. The setting is lively, creating an ambiance of artistic focus and creativity.

A woman in an outdoor setting sings into a microphone, exuding confidence. She wears a black outfit and stands near sound equipment with colorful lights blurred in the background.

Two person stand in front of a painting, observing its details with interest in a gallery setting.

A lively outdoor performance featuring a diverse band with instruments, while an audience enjoys the music at a vibrant venue.

A black-and-white outdoor performance features a woman reading at a microphone and another dancing expressively, with a DJ in the background and audience chairs in the foreground. The scene conveys a lively and artistic atmosphere.

A woman in black dress and headphones is DJing, extending her hands towards the camera. The room is softly lit with pink hues, conveying an energetic mood.

A woman in a snake-print dress sings into a microphone on stage. Musicians with a guitar and bass are partially visible. The setting is vibrant and lively.

Poolside Poets at Saint Joseph's Art Society 1

A lively indoor party scene with diverse, joyful guests dancing and chatting. Warm lighting and colorful outfits create a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.

Two women embrace joyfully in an art gallery with vibrant yellow walls. One has tattoos and glasses; their expressions convey warmth and happiness.

Hands holding an open book displaying poetry titled "The Apple Falls Far from the Tree" and "Targets." Soft focus audience in the background suggests a reading event.

A diverse group of twelve people stand on a stage under warm lighting, framed by ornate architecture and plants, conveying a celebratory, inclusive atmosphere.

Poolside Poets at Saint Joseph's Art Society 3

Two musicians perform in a cozy room with exposed brick walls. One plays guitar and sings into a microphone, while the other plays violin. Warm lighting adds a relaxed ambiance.

A group of four people enjoy a tea ceremony on a purple rug. The setting is cozy with plants and colorful cushions, creating a peaceful, social atmosphere.

Pablo Moisés Ruiz Arroyo Changing Faces: Exploring the Portrait 3

A portrait of a person is adorned in a black facial mask and metallic gloves, set against a lush backdrop of green leaves. The mood is surreal and vibrant.

Stumbling Two Steps - Art Show by Chloe King ( Opening Party )  1

A singer performs onstage in an ornate hall, joined by musicians and colorful lighting, while two guests sit nearby and an audience watches.

Poolside Poets at Saint Joseph's Art Society September 2026 2

Five women sit in a row on stage against red curtains. The central speaker holds a microphone, smiling. The atmosphere is lively and engaging.

Three musicians playing instruments together in a cozy room, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Man with long curly hair and glasses sings into a microphone on stage. He's wearing a blue jacket, and the background is warmly lit with plants.

A person stands on stage with a microphone facing an attentive audience in a dimly lit venue. The room features arched ceilings and decorative elements, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Poolside Poets at Saint Joseph's Art Society 2

Three person smiling and standing beside a DJ at a lively party, with colorful lights in the background.

Stumbling Two Steps - Art Show by Chloe King ( Opening Party )  3

A speaker addresses an audience, engaging the audience with his message.

A man holding a child stands at a microphone, speaking or singing. The child playfully touches the mic. The setting is warmly lit with a relaxed ambiance.

Poolside Poets Anthology Launch x Litquake 1

Audience seated in a dimly lit theater, focused on an unseen performance. Red velvet seats and curtains create a warm, attentive atmosphere.

A cozy room filled with people seated in front of a wooden mantel lined with books and decor. Attendees laugh and appear engaged, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

A speaker stands on stage in a dimly lit, ornate hall, decorated with classical arches and statues. A grand piano and drums are behind, with subdued purple-red lighting creating an elegant atmosphere.

Three people smiling and embracing at a vibrant party. They wear colorful, unique outfits, exuding joy and celebration. Background: guests, colorful lights.

Diverse group of performers poses on a theater stage beneath colorful blue, purple, and pink lights, creating a joyful, celebratory mood.

Poolside Poets at Saint Joseph's Art Society September 2026 3

A group of people, dressed casually and colorfully, pose for a night-time photo outdoors. They are illuminated by vibrant purple and pink lights.

Woman smiling warmly while speaking into a microphone, holding a notebook. Wearing a colorful dress, with vibrant lighting and a relaxed atmosphere.

Two men stand in front of a vibrant, abstract painting of a house. One holds a book, and they appear to be discussing the art. The atmosphere is engaged and contemplative.

Pablo Moisés Ruiz Arroyo Changing Faces: Exploring the Portrait 2

A woman passionately sings into a microphone, wearing a feathered outfit with a painted red heart. A trumpeter in the background adds a dynamic touch.

A seated speaker holds a microphone, facing an attentive, diverse audience in a cozy, art-filled room. The mood is relaxed and engaged.

Man with curly hair and glasses, smiling and holding a microphone, stands indoors next to a drum set. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed.

Pablo Moisés Ruiz Arroyo Changing Faces: Exploring the Portrait 1

Smiling woman in a vibrant orange and pink dress sings into a microphone while reading notes onstage, with a guitar and amplifier nearby.

Poolside Poets at Saint Joseph's Art Society September 2026 1

Man speaking into a microphone stands in a cozy room with exposed brick. A screen displays "DECENTERED" with a colorful gradient. Audience watches attentively.

A woman sings passionately into a microphone on stage, wearing a yellow floral shawl and green top. A red curtain serves as the backdrop, enhancing the dramatic atmosphere.

A diverse group of 15 people stands closely together, smiling warmly in a grand hall with ornate architecture and classical statues in the background. The atmosphere is joyful and celebratory.

Six smiling women stand in a warmly lit room, each holding a book with a bold number 3 on the cover. A plant is visible in the background.

A group of people relaxes in an elegant, historical setting with high ceilings and arches. They sit on ornate chairs and rugs, creating a cozy, cultured atmosphere.

Mia Terracotta

Photographer at:

DECENTERED
ARTS