Tanka Poetry Writing Workshop

June 5th, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
177 West Hickory
Hesston, Kansas 67062

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Tallgrass artist-in-residence, Xiao Faria da Cunha, will facilitate a generative writing workshop featuring the Japanese Tanka style of poetry. Writers of all ages are welcome for this program that will invite participants to reflect on their favorite prairie memories in the beautiful setting of the Dyck Arboretum’s Prairie Discovery Lab. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite writing materials.

Xiao Faria daCunha is a practicing artist, independent curator, and art journalist based in Kansas City, MO. She is a self-taught artist with a minor in Studio Art and a B.A. in English Creative Writing. Xiao creates works on paper integrating traditional techniques inherited from her Chinese background including knotting, embroidery, carving, and calligraphy, as well as modern techniques such as collagraph, mixed media collaging, typesetting, and new media. Her practice embraces new ideas and conversations but is always well-fertilized by her heritage.

The Tallgrass Artist Residency is a program of the Kansas Arts Commission and is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. All programs are free and open the public. Learn more at https://tallgrassartistresidency.org/ 

The Dyck Arboretum of the Plains main parking lot is located at 177 W Hickory St in Hesston, KS. From the entrance, follow signs to the Prairie Discovery Lab building on the south end of the arboretum campus.