photo courtesy Pexels
Reflections on how the creative arts spoke to and through us throughout the year:
“I use the art to foster social change and to build community and connections… Anywhere I go, I bring my drum with me – it’s just part of who I am. When I’m doing social-emotional work, or outdoor education, it’s a part of it in some way.” –Gamaliel Moses (Cohort 16), Re-Building Intergenerational Connection
“I discovered my love of writing during the quiet of the COVID-19 pandemic; words just poured out of me when I was given the gift of being still. My poetry ranges in topics on identity, belonging, culture, and home.” –Anita Sharif-Hyder (Cohort 27), Me You
“What does Mary Oliver say: ‘your place in the family of things,’ where we’re kin with each other. Not just with humans, but with all of us.” –Dr. Amanda Kemp (Cohort 16) Interview
“…you have never looked into the immovability / of stone like this, the way it holds you…” –David Whyte, The Face in the Stone
“I find it both humbling and inspiring to be reminded that we often cannot tell where pursuing our piece of truth may lead us.” –Bill Graustein Interview
“This summer, I found myself at ‘String Camp’ playing alongside other musicians who were all objectively more skilled than I am. Not only did I learn a lot, I actually had fun. Unbelievably hard — and amazingly joyful.” –Laura Berry (Cohort 4), The Joys of Beginning (Again)
“I was determined to plant a flag in the sand of stillness and all that it can enable, energize, heal… in many ways, we CLP alums are on our own Italian balconies singing.” –Lara Herscovitch (Cohort 10), Singing From Italian Balconies
“…self-care for me looks like a walk, reading a good piece, listening to something really magnificent. It could be a podcast, or a webinar, lecture or one of my family members. Anything that gets me to be curious and helps me expand my thinking.” –Marina Rodriguez (Cohort 22) Interview
“It feels ironic for a person so fascinated with connection; through storytelling, I command attention and let people know I want to connect with them through the experiences I’ve lived. Yo, what a breakthrough!” –Jezrie Marcano-Courtney (Cohort 30) Interview
“…the one thing I remember that was part of our lives was Broadway musical soundtracks. Back then it was 8-tracks. They were always uplifting, even when they were about difficult topics.” –Dr. Angela Frusciante (Cohort 16) Interview
Curated by The Circle’s creative director & editor, Lara Herscovitch. To reach Lara directly: thecircle@clpnewhaven.org or Lara@LaraHerscovitch.com