TOMORROW

From 6 to 9 p.m., CCAC will be hosting an opening reception for a “Word and Art” which combines visual art and poetry in a unique way.

This is the second installment of this exhibit, with the first exhibit introduced in November 2018.

Area artists and poets are teamed up to share their works in order to find new inspiration for creating a new piece.

PHOTO PROVIDED At left, an example of work by Word and Art participating artist Steve Getz titled “Eclissi Solare.”

“This year’s exhibit not only shows the work of random teams but also celebrates the pairing of artists and poets who found each other’s creativity so rewarding that they continued to work together after the exhibit,” CCAC President Carol Ann Simon Cillo said. “Do come to see exciting pairings, and hear some of the poet’s words “live” as they read a few poems. We will also ask artists and poets to talk about how they were inspired and what made them create the final piece they exhibit.”

The public as well as participating artists and poets truly enjoyed this event last season, as it shows how extra inspiration and collaboration between creative thinkers can make wonderful things happen!

“I want to thank my co-curator, Jared Conti, not only for sharing his own writing talents, but for his willingness to gather together the talents of other poets to be part of this experiment in sharing, ” Cillo said.

Once hailed as poet laureate of “the Culture” and more recently labeled as a “humorist” by the Clinton County Arts Council, Jared A. Conti is not one to rest on his laurels. There is nothing funnier than trying to make a living as a poet. According to one of his favorites “buried alive in a poetry coffin” is more than likely how he’ll go out.

He balances writing time between being a husband and father of two, as well as managing Avenue 209 Coffee House, both of which are constant sources of inspiration.

An example of work create by local artist Dave Becker for the Word and Art exhibit.

“Everything seems to come in snippets and fragments,” Jared explained. “It’s not uncommon for projects to bleed into others, worlds dovetailing, collapsing in on themselves. It’s a veritable ‘day in the life.'”

This is Jared’s second foray into curating this exhibit. The cast of artists and poets are rotating, and there’s a nice mix of styles and mediums from which to pull.

“I put the word out there. Not everyone is available all the time, it’s like an episode of “The Scooby-Doo Mysteries,” but with more poetry. Don’t worry, there are still plenty of snacks,” he said.

In only its second iteration, there are already factions forming. Williamsport poet and LHU instructor Marjorie Maddox has collaborated with local Karen Elias to national awareness. Jared is eking out his post-apocalyptic fantasy ballad with the help of Sarah Smeltz.

“It wasn’t until the last ekphrasis venture that I finally got a hold of where this project was headed,” Jared said. “It’s based locally, and the opportunity to closely work alongside local artist-friends has really opened up not just the creativity taps, but the potential of place.”

A participant in February’s Mandela workshop practices a new technique. The next Fiber Workshop will be this Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at The Station Gallery. PHOTO PROVIDED

There will be a variety of media exhibited: graphite, digital painting, photography, painting, fiber arts, ceramics and more. Poems will be printed out and placed next to the piece of art associated with that written expression.

The poets to participate are: Jared Conti, Jim Colbert, Ryan Rose, Austin Miller, Margory Maddox Hafer, Deb Stabley, Gina Marie Thompson, Keith Meredith, Tiffany Bernard, Noah Jordan Glynn, Ted Forbes and Carol Cillo.

Artists to participate are: Dave Becker Rita Bower, Steve Getz, Carol Cillo, Karen Elias, Sarah Smeltz, Cameron Goodworth, Bruce Wallace, Jackie Thomas, Tommy Grieco and Ann Marie Furdock.

The exhibit will be on display from Friday, March 22 to April 13. Gallery hours are 1-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays; 1-4 p.m. Sundays.

SATURDAY

The next day, Saturday, March 23, also at the gallery, will be the second in the series of Fiber Workshops, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The cost to participate is $15 per session for CCAC members and $25 for non-members.

Those interested in becoming a member when they sign up for the class.

“We would love to have you support the Clinton County Arts Council in that way, and you will save some money on multiple classes,” Cillo said.

General membership is $25.

Jackie Thomas will be teaching about Armatures & Double Weave Baskets during Saturday’s lesson.

“If you did not have a chance to join us last month when we all discovered twining, you can learn on the spot, and don’t need previous experience when you arrive,” Cillo said.

And, through the generosity of their instructor, materials are provided to learn these basic skills.

As time goes on, repeat participants may bring some of their own materials as they become immersed in the new processes, and work with pages that have been colored with natural dyes to make their own sketchbooks.