You helped CATA writers find poetry in sculpture

You helped CATA writers find poetry in sculpture

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A woman reaches her hand out to feel a tall, wooden, box-shaped sculpture outside.
CATA writer Sue Croll feels the surface of Gary Orlinsky’s sculpture, “Artifact”, part of SculptureNow’s exhibit at The Mount.

CATA writers Sue and Brittni take turns feeling the surface of a large wooden sculpture.

“This one makes me feel calm,” says Brittni. “It makes me want to do more art.”

A few weeks ago, CATA writers heard their poetry read aloud in a lively, sold-out reading at The Mount. Now, they’re back at Edith Wharton’s historic home to kick off a multi-sensory writing project.

A woman holds a pencil and notebook while looking at a large, metal ball
CATA writer Cathy Marden explores a sculpture by artist Chris Plaisted called “The Meeting”.

To help inspire their project, Ann Jon from SculptureNow gives the writers a personalized tour of the sculptures surrounding the property.

She leads the writers from one sculpture to another, giving them each a chance to encounter the artwork up close. For writers with visual impairments, this hands-on tour is particularly meaningful.

A man move his hand along a smooth, stone sculpture.
CATA writer Tyler Baronas feels the surface of a sculpture by Antoinette Schultze, titled “Silent Guide”.

As the writers walk up the path, they notice a beautiful collection of webs made by artist Ashley Blalock, called “Queen Anne’s Lace.”

“This sculpture is very inspiring,” says writer Louisa. “It’s delicate, and soft, and soothing.”

A woman stands outside, pointing to a large, knit, web-like net that is strung in front of her between two trees.
Louisa Millonzi studies an installation by artist Ashley Blalock, titled “Queen Anne’s Lace”

Afterwards, the writers gather to put their experience onto paper. Some of the writers work one-on-one with volunteer “scribes” who help them write down their ideas.

Two women sit together at a table, one holds a notebook up for the other to see.
Sue (right) works with her scribe Kara to create a new poem based on one of the sculptures.

As the workshop comes to an end, CATA writer Cathy finishes her new poem, based on the “Queen Anne’s Lace” sculpture:

I think the webs are a
beautiful collection of flowers.

When I look through them,
I can see the trees in the
distance and the blue sky.

I wish I lived near the webs so
I could sit and read and think
about how the trees are made
and how the blue sky was hung.

– Cathy


Thanks to supporters like you who make opportunities like this possible. And thanks to The Mount and SculptureNow for providing a multi-sensory art experience for CATA writers.

You can provide vibrant arts programs like our Writers’ Workshop to people with disabilities across our community. Join us now!