Poets and painters inspire one another for coming exhibit

“Poets and painters constitute a special class of their own, like the circus people."

This quote by writer Gerald Brenan is the inspiration for “A Celebration of Kindred Spirits,” a commemoration of National Poetry Month to be held in April, sponsored by the Barryville Area Arts Association.

For several months, artists have been creating works inspired by local poets. At the same time, poets have also been at work writing poetry inspired by the creations of local artists. The result is the "Painting and Poems Exhibit," to will be on display from April 1 through April 17 at the Artists’ Market Community Center in Shohola. An opening reception will be held April 4.

Participating poets include Norma Bernstock, Nancy Dymond, Sally Quinn Hendee, Anna Gossett Johnson, Lisa Locurto, Mort Malkin, Johnny Robinson, Nick Roes, and Nicole Slevin.

Participating artists include Judith Cramer, Mef Gannon, Laurny de Leeuw, Nancy Dymond, Sally Quinn Hendee, Rena Hotinger, Lisa Locurto, Claudine Luchsinger, Ari Mir-Pontier, Dixie Rich, Nick Roes, Jodi Winship Roth, and Elva Zingaro.

Many of the poets and artists will be in attendance at the opening reception to read their poetry and explain their creative process.

"Celebration" is made possible by grants from the Richard L. Snyder Fund, administered through the Greater Pike Community Foundation, and through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.