Poets and painters inspire one another for new exhibit

SHOHOLA — “Poets and painters constitute a special class of their own, like the circus people,” said writer Gerald Brenan.
Brenan's quote inspired “Celebration of Kindred Spirits,” a project sponsored by the Barryville Area Arts Association for National Poetry Month. More than 20 local artists and poets have collaborated to create poetry based on art, and art based on poetry.
For several months, artists have been creating works inspired by the poetry of local poets. At the same time, poets have been writing poems inspired by the creations of local artists. The result is the “Painting and Poems” Exhibit, on display through April.
“Whoever said artists and poets are difficult to work with never met any of our local talent,” said the show’s curator, Nick Roes. “Working with these prima donnas is almost impossible! Of course, that’s a joke. Each participant rose to the challenge to create something truly magnificent, with almost no fuss at all.”
A reception, free and open to the public, will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at the Artists’ Market Community Center, 114 Richardson Ave., Shohola. Many of the poets and artists will be in attendance to read their poetry and explain their creative process.
For more information call 914-799-0180.