Stephen Herring, Poet

African American Poetry and Art

MA in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins and former West Point English instructor who led the African American Literature Club (grew enrollment from 15 to 65 students). Published poet and Arlington Transit Moving Words award winner. Combines poetry workshop facilitation with museum tours—visitors don’t just view art, they create alongside it. Deep knowledge of contemporary African American artists (Amy Sherald, Simone Leigh, Kara Walker, Raymond Saunders) and Harlem Renaissance literature. International museum visitor with teaching experience across 300+ students..

Tour Approach

Poetry meets visual art: explore contemporary African American exhibitions at Smithsonian museums, write poetry inspired by the artwork, view more pieces, then return to your writing with fresh perspective. Stephen uses Gwendolyn Brooks’ “Seven at the Golden Shovel” as a jumping-off point, then guides visitors through their own creative responses to what they see. Tours focus on identity, artistic discovery, and the connection between visual and written expression. Currently featuring Photography and the Black Arts Movement exhibit at National Gallery, with special attention to artists like Raymond Saunders whose work “sent me into a Jean-Michel Basquiat moment.” 90-minute experiential sessions for 2-3 people that balance learning, creating, and discovering.

Museums + DMV

The Phillips Collection is a visitor-centric museum; it offers an intimate and personal space to all. The first American modern art museum, a great atmosphere for everyone to enjoy and explore a diverse art experience.
National Gallery: By providing opportunities to see and learn about a wide range of art, the museum helps visitors understand different perspectives and connect with the human spirit across time.