Poetry . . . 2007

Gualala Arts will have framed and freestanding poetry pieces on display in the Coleman Auditorium from April 14 through May 6. This event runs in conjunction with National Poetry Month and also complements the ruth weiss poetry and jazz performance on April 14 at 7:30 p.m.

In the past this exhibit has been called Broad(er)sides. Broadsides, or broadsheets, came from the idea of the poster. Instead of advertising or announcing a product or event, artists got the idea of using this medium to advertise poetry. It was, and is, a method of getting poetry out of the confines of a book. By combining words with images, both gain in scope and interest.

The most classic examples of the broadside - often letterpress with hand-set type on rag paper - are related to the Japanese concept of haiga, which are hand painted sketches accompanied by a haiku or short poem. In the spirit of the broad(er)side, "Poetry . . . 2007" exhibits poems combined with three- dimensional works constructed of mixed media and found objects, clay, cloth, stones and water.

Because there is so little opportunity to show the synergy of art and poetry, the rareness of this exhibit makes it especially valuable. What better way for the art patron and the casual observer to celebrate April as Poetry Month than by attending the opening reception to meet poets and artists who will be eager for your response to their works and their words?

Call to Artists

"Poetry . . . 2007" is seeking framed poetry pieces and broadsides, limited to two per poet, for an exhibit in Coleman Auditorium that runs from April 14 to May 6 in conjunction with National Poetry Month. Entry fee is $5.00 per poem and entry forms are available on-line at www.GualalaArts.org or at the Gualala Arts Center office.

The deadline for entries is April 2 and selected material must be delivered between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 11. All pieces must be at least 8 inches and no more than 24 inches in length. They must be able to hang from metal picture wire mounted at least two inches from the top of the frame. Works may be listed as "Not for Sale," but Gualala Arts will retain 30% of any pieces sold. Please contact curator John Moelter 707-785-3537 about any sculptures or pieces that weigh over 20 pounds. Contributors are expected to provide light food items for the opening day reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14.

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.

Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.