Writers and Artists in the Heart of New York, Part Two
Finally, a recap of the rest of my weekend.... sorry...
On Saturday was the Big Event: Union Church's annual Art Show on Main. Now, I'd thought Main Street was, well, a street, but no. Union is a MONDO church, built onto an old elementary school, and it's main reception hall is at least three times as big as my house, hence the name they use for it - Main Street (even done up with lamp posts and coffee shop, very cool). Another special shout-out to the organizer of the event Tamara Murphy, who was as gracious a host as I've ever met, busy, but always taking time to enjoy herself. This year, for the first time, it was not just art, but writers and musicians as well.
I got there early, and did my best to help Andy with the artwork displays. Later, Kevin & I held court in the main hall from 1:00 - 3:00 for critique sessions for anyone who wanted to bring a writing sample to discuss, or simply talk about writing. The two hours flew by (wasn't until then I realized I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast!). We then moved to a smaller hall where we participated in a panel discussion of art, in all its forms. Kevin & I were the writers, and answered varying questions along with artists Julia Dean and Erin McMahon and musicians Brian Moss and Jason Harrod. Then we ate, and the official Show began at 6:00.
What an amazing show. Tamara introduced the show, then the show kicked off. There were three 'acts' as it were, with headliners Brian and Jason performing in each. We had other amazing musicians playing, writers reading their stories or poems, the artists discussed their work and methods. Just one brilliant performer after another, so much so Tamara had to chime in and make everyone stop paying so much attention and mill about! It worked. The entire night was like a very cool coffeehouse. Me, I read an excerpt from Solomon's Grave in the second hour. Seemed to go over well. Kevin read an excerpt from his Coach's Midnight Diner story in the third act.
Really, I can't say enough good things about the show, and was pretty bummed out when it ended.
The next day, I had to get moving if I was going to make it home soon enough to close the pool (ah, October, one of the saddest moments of the month when we can't pretend anymore and the pool gets covered for another 7 months...). The drive was even more stunning since it was nice weather. Five and a half hours later, I was home, with a lot great memories. Thanks again to everyone for such a great time. I hope I can make it back, even if only as a visitor, next year.
On Saturday was the Big Event: Union Church's annual Art Show on Main. Now, I'd thought Main Street was, well, a street, but no. Union is a MONDO church, built onto an old elementary school, and it's main reception hall is at least three times as big as my house, hence the name they use for it - Main Street (even done up with lamp posts and coffee shop, very cool). Another special shout-out to the organizer of the event Tamara Murphy, who was as gracious a host as I've ever met, busy, but always taking time to enjoy herself. This year, for the first time, it was not just art, but writers and musicians as well.
I got there early, and did my best to help Andy with the artwork displays. Later, Kevin & I held court in the main hall from 1:00 - 3:00 for critique sessions for anyone who wanted to bring a writing sample to discuss, or simply talk about writing. The two hours flew by (wasn't until then I realized I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast!). We then moved to a smaller hall where we participated in a panel discussion of art, in all its forms. Kevin & I were the writers, and answered varying questions along with artists Julia Dean and Erin McMahon and musicians Brian Moss and Jason Harrod. Then we ate, and the official Show began at 6:00.What an amazing show. Tamara introduced the show, then the show kicked off. There were three 'acts' as it were, with headliners Brian and Jason performing in each. We had other amazing musicians playing, writers reading their stories or poems, the artists discussed their work and methods. Just one brilliant performer after another, so much so Tamara had to chime in and make everyone stop paying so much attention and mill about! It worked. The entire night was like a very cool coffeehouse. Me, I read an excerpt from Solomon's Grave in the second hour. Seemed to go over well. Kevin read an excerpt from his Coach's Midnight Diner story in the third act.
Really, I can't say enough good things about the show, and was pretty bummed out when it ended.
The next day, I had to get moving if I was going to make it home soon enough to close the pool (ah, October, one of the saddest moments of the month when we can't pretend anymore and the pool gets covered for another 7 months...). The drive was even more stunning since it was nice weather. Five and a half hours later, I was home, with a lot great memories. Thanks again to everyone for such a great time. I hope I can make it back, even if only as a visitor, next year.
Comments
I look forward to working with you again. May God smile on your work as he did on our time together.
Laurel Rudd
See you at NeCon!