The Academy of Intentional Magic (AIM), a new creative learning platform, announced its launch today, expanding on the nearly twenty-year legacy of the Poetry Barn. The new venture aims to create a broader commons for artists, writers, teachers, and creatives of all kinds, emphasizing interdisciplinary exchange and the value of work-in-progress.
Founder Lissa Kiernan, who has led the Poetry Barn since its inception, cited Kahlil Gibran's aphorism, "Work is love made visible," as a guiding principle. "For artists, that work is often what we can't stop returning to — the poem revised for the tenth time, the scale practiced ad nauseam, the scrappy xeriscape garden. That's the spirit behind the Academy," she said in the announcement.
Poetry remains central to AIM, but the platform now supports a wider range of artistic practices, with a focus on what happens "between disciplines, when one way of seeing alters another." To foster this, AIM offers Murmurations, an online community where artists can share works-in-progress, ask questions, and engage in creative dialogue year-round.
The Academy provides a comprehensive ecosystem for working artists, encompassing eight interconnected areas: an online social community for networking and collaboration; education through curated studios, craft labs, and circles; mentoring from a vetted consortium of master mentors; publishing opportunities through AIM's press and journal; a free public library of 4,000 poetry volumes; immersive retreats and community arts events; and outreach partnerships with high schools to deliver multidisciplinary arts workshops.
Fall offerings reflect AIM's inclusive approach, treating classical forms and popular traditions with equal seriousness. One of the first offerings is "Sky Writing: Write Your Own Horoscope," a workshop led by somatic astrologer Cory Nakasue, scheduled for September 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 6–8 p.m. ET. The workshop approaches horoscopes as creative and symbolic forms, blending interpretation, storytelling, and poetry.
To mark Labor Day, AIM is inviting artists to share their current projects in Murmurations—whether a messy draft, a half-finished painting, or the seed of an idea. The invitation comes with no expectation of polish, reflecting AIM's philosophy of valuing work while it is still becoming. Additionally, AIM is seeking teaching artists to propose practices or modules for future offerings.
The launch of the Academy of Intentional Magic signals a significant evolution from the Poetry Barn's pioneering online poetry workshops, which began in 2007. By broadening its scope, AIM aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for artists across disciplines, addressing the need for community, education, and support in a rapidly changing creative landscape. With its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and the creative process, the Academy positions itself as a vital resource for artists seeking to integrate their work with life.
For more information, visit www.academyofintentionalmagic.com.
