For the third year, the Broad(er)sides Exhibit, curated by Joost Romeu, will be part of the Gualala Arts celebration of April as Poetry Month. Each year the ideas get wilder and wilder, so everyone is eager to see what will be in this show.

The broadside or broadsheet has a long tradition of presenting poetry in a way so that the poem stays on display instead of being closed up in a book.

While Westerners may be familiar with lithographs and block prints that are combined with poems, the Japanese have their own tradition of haiga - haiku combined with sketch or cartoon done with the brush. In past years, at other Broad(er)side exhibits, all of these methods have been in evidence.

Currently any style of art, including three-dimensional forms, that uses the words of a poem is part of this genre. Any way of presenting a poem in combination with art that the author feels appropriate belongs in this show.

One does not need to be a member of Gualala Arts to enter. For a $5 entry fee poet/artists may enter up to three works. The pieces can be delivered to the Arts Center on Thursday, April 6, from 10am - 2pm, and picked up on May 8, from 10am - 2pm, or at the Third Thursday Poetry Readings at City Art.

The opening reception will be just preceding the Jane Hirshfield poetry reading in the auditorium. Exhibitors are encouraged to attend and to bring finger foods. For additional information call Joost Romeu at 707-884-5059.

Gualala Arts Center is located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, and is open from 9 am to 4 pm weekdays, and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information.