April is Poetry Month ~ Call for Entries

CALL FOR ENTRIES 

The Belfast Public Library is hosting a youth poetry contest funded in memory of Jodi Patterson Curcio. 

Deadline April 13th 2022

From the Academy of American Poets 

National Poetry Month

"Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month reminds the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families, and—of course—poets, marking poetry's important place in our lives.

Thanks in part to National Poetry Month partners and sponsors, each April the Academy is able to offer activities, initiatives, and resources so that anyone can join the celebration:

• Order (for free) and display the official 2022 National Poetry Month poster 
• Read about 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry Month online and at home
• Read about 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in the classroom
• Join the Academy of American Poets for its virtual Poetry & the Creative Mind gala on April 28
• Find online poetry readings and events on our Poetry Near You calendar, and add your own 
• Encourage students in grades five through twelve to participate in the 2022 Dear Poet Project
• Sign up for Poem-a-Day and enjoy a free daily poem in your inbox, in April 2022 curated by award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye
• Follow the thousands of celebrations taking place on social media with the official hashtag #NationalPoetryMonth and follow the Academy of American Poets on Twitter and Instagram @POETSorg
• Share a #PocketPoem on Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 29
• Make a gift to the Academy of American Poets
• Add the official National Poetry Month logo to your events:

 Download the Logo

HISTORY OF NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

"The success of Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March led to the initiation of National Poetry Month in April by the Academy of American Poets The first-ever National Poetry Month was celebrated in 1996, but the history of poetry itself goes back to about thousands of years ago." April 17th is also International Haiku Poetry Day.

Whether you write your own poetry every day or research and read the abundant work by other poets, this is a great time to share what you discover. 

  READ MORE ABOUT NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

You might also be interested in...

Upcoming Allegany Arts Association Sponsored Events
2022 POETRY SLAM - The Allegany Arts Association is planning its first Joanne Allen/Adam Gayhart Memorial Poetry Slam during poetry month on April 21st at 6 p.m. in the David A. Howe Library. Prizes will be awarded.
2022 URGENT CALL FOR ARTISTS - Help the Allegany Arts Association raise funds to continue its various programs by entering its Painted Chair or Table Auction in August. Artists can register by May 29th
Find out more on page 6 of the Spring Quarterly Arts News.
Featuring local talent: While you're there, don't forget to check out the new Creator's Corner on page 2.

Before it becomes available in other locations,
AAA's Subscribing Members receive the newsletter delivered to their home address via USPS at the beginning of each quarter.
Print and send in your membership form to receive these timely updates first.

READ THE ARTS IN COMMMUNITY MARCH 2022 Allegany Arts Association E-NEWS

2022 Marching Forward with the Arts

As Winter lingers and given the current Global Climate,

 like most of the world, 

BOFA is cautiously optimistic as we move onward into 2022.

We have established this new BOFA facebook account as we hope to resume BOFA activities in 2022 (as COVID guidelines permit). Thank you for your patience as we re-connect with the creative community here to post resources, photos, works by local creators, and upcoming activities. It's also free to follow BOFA updates in the public activity feed on patreon.

THINGS WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2022

In memory of Jodi Patterson-Curcio,

BOFA is co-sponsoring April's poetry month activities and

the 2022 Belfast Story Fest.

(Additional details TBA)

~

The August return of the Annual BOFA Art Show at the Belfast Public Library

2022 Theme "Small Things" featuring 5" x 7" works by local artists. Details TBA

Contact belfastorganizationforartists@gmail.com for more information

~

Lawn Concerts in the Belfast Town Park

~

The Annual Christmas Trees in the Park sponsored by the Belfast Lyons

Tuesday March 8th is International Women's Day 
March is Women's History Month. 

"Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias." ~ International Women's Day
Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.

SUPPORT WOMEN ARTISTS NOW 

Inspired by The Culture of Possibility by Arlene Goldbard and SWAN Day activities at Women Arts; The Belfast Organization for Artists and SWAN Days Allegany County NY are charitable community projects of SheilaLynnK Art Studio. 

SWAN Day started in 2004 and was originally celebrated the last Saturday of March. This global event, started by Jan Lisa Huttner and Martha Richards, eventually went on to extend the full months of March and April. SWAN Days are international events that are all about uplifting women in the arts. WomenArts led SWAN Day from 2008 – 2018 and selected Statera Foundation to lead SWAN Day in 2019. SWAN Day is a grassroots effort that was coordinated by Statera Foundation and WomenArts through the Statera Arts Website

Due to COVID, the last SWAN Days Allegany County NY calendar of activities (2020) became an online event promoting local women artists. 

Watch the 2020 video and BROWSE OUR LOCAL 2020 FEATURED ARTISTS SERIES  

At the end of 2021, Jan Lisa Huttner and FF2 Media announced the birth of International SWANs (aka iSWANs), the third phase of the “Support Women Artists Now” movement.

READ THAT STORY

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN..... The Jodi Patterson Fund for Art, Culture, and Rural Empowerment, which will serve the youth of Midland County, MI, and Allegany County, NY, is being established in Jodi's honor and memory through the Allegany County Area Foundation (NY). Memorials may be directed to this fund by mail to ACAF 6087 State Route 19N, Belmont, NY 14813 or through the foundation website. The Allegany County Area Foundation website is here https://alleganycountyareafoundation.org/ From the Small Business Administration  In celebration of Women’s History Month, join the SBA's Office of Women’s Business Ownership and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center for the virtual Women’s Business Summit on March 29-30, 2022. The free event will include power-packed panels, inspirational fireside chats, and 'Ask an Expert' workshops to help you build, scale, and grow your business. Panels and discussion topics include: Innovation and Investment Building an Equitable Recovery Framework for Women Entrepreneurs From Essential Worker to Essential Entrepreneur: CARE Economy Entrepreneurship Opportunities The $100B Marketplace: Contracting Opportunities for Women-led Firms Exporting & E-Commerce The Changing Landscape for Entertainment and Hospitality Industries Register From the Case Foundation Financial Education for Women The nonprofit Invest for Better helps women take control of their financial education through peer-led Circles that center values-aligned approaches to money and investment. Interested? They’re recruiting a new cohort of Circle leaders.  READ MORE   A Good Book  Wintering; The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times   by Katherine May  In 'Wintering,' Katherine May Encourages 'The Active Acceptance Of Sadness' May writes beautifully of her own recent bout with a personal winter, a period when she felt low and overwhelmed, out of sorts and "out of sync with everyday life." She hit a storm of woes around the time of her 40th birthday.   Full Review at NPR

June News and Congratulations! to the 2021 ANC Scholarship Recipient

 CONGRATULATIONS!

Kayl Francis is the 2021 Amanda Nicole Curcio Memorial Scholarship recipient at Belfast Central School.

Kayl will be attending Genesee Community College majoring in Fine Arts!

Students are selected by the committee because the committee believes they are bound to be successful and more than that, that they are kind and compassionate students with big hearts who the committee felt will best honor Amanda’s memory. 

The Belfast Organization for Artists sends many blessings to the 2021 Graduating Class and all of our local students. Wishing you a safe, happy, and fun Summer ahead. 

Past Recipients 

2008 Katelyn Malota

2009 Danny Bush

2010 Kierra Carlton

2011 Emily Hooker

2012 Belle Evans

2013 Samantha Borden

2014 Payton Slack

2015 Megan Gent

2016 Megan Harrington

2017 Mackenzie Hamer

2018 Morgan Hamer

2019 James Booth

2020- Eli Cartwright 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

The Northern Allegany County Quilters are meeting again (first and third Thursday, 1-4 PM, $1.00, @Fillmore Wesleyan church family center). Masks and social distancing are a required. 

VISIT THE ALLEGANY ARTS ASSOCIATION WEBSITE FOR SUMMER ART NEWS AND UPDATES ON LOCAL ARTSY EVENTS AND FREE SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES 

MANY MUSIC ON THE LAWN ACTIVITIES HAVE ALSO RESUMED FOR THE SUMMER. CHECK YOUR LOCAL LIBRARIES AND THE PALMER OPERA HOUSE FOR A WIDE ASSORTMENT OF PERFORMERS AND LOCAL OUTDOOR MUSIC EVENTS TO COME. 

...............................................................................................

This Amanda Nicole Curcio memorial scholarship benefits a graduating 

Belfast Central School Student who plans to pursue the arts. 

Donations can be mailed to 
Belfast Central School, 1 King Street, Belfast, NY 14711.  
Checks should be made payable to Belfast Central School, with a memo/note indicating it is a donation to the Amanda Curcio memorial scholarship. 

If anyone has any additional questions, they can reach either 

Teresa Heaney at 585-365-8297 or 
Bob Lingenfelter CA BOCES District Treasurer 585-365-8289 

BOFA News Oct.2020 and Remembering Amanda

In honor of her birthday and in celebration of her short but creative life, the Belfast Organization for Artists, founded in her memory, would like to remind everyone of the 
Amanda Nicole Curcio 
Memorial Scholarship Fund 
at Belfast Central School. 

This scholarship benefits a graduating Belfast Central School Student who plans to pursue the arts. 

Donations can be mailed to 
Belfast Central School, 1 King Street, Belfast, NY 14711.  
Checks should be made payable to Belfast Central School, with a memo/note indicating it is a donation to the Amanda Curcio memorial scholarship. 

If anyone has any additional questions, they can reach either 

Teresa Heaney at 585-365-8297 or 
Bob Lingenfelter CA BOCES District Treasurer 585-365-8289 

As so many things are in an on-going holding pattern, there isn't a lot of new news about events and activities to post today. Feel free to read more about Amanda and the history and intentions of BOFA in our previous post, Creative Unity Inspires Plans and Memories

OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE

In the interest of the safety of our members, visitors, and volunteers; BOFA gatherings and activities have been postponed until our host sites determine it safe to resume public events in compliance with the re-opening guidelines presented by NYS and local officials. 

Our Tree in 2015

However, using natural objects, Belfast members are currently working with a Belfast Through the Seasons theme to create decorations for the BOFA tree during the holiday festivities in the park this winter. Hosted by the Lions' club, this is an annual event with approximately forty trees. For more information about membership and future events, please contact our events coordinator, Kathy Garrison. 

STILL SUPPORTING LOCAL CREATORS

As so many creative events and other local activities have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19 precautions, we would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that 

Creators in the Belfast, NY area are invited to share their work here on our blog. 

Send images of your work or a link to your works in progress, tutorials, or website via email to: sheila@sheilalynnkart.com subject: BOFA Creator Content

Sheila will post it in the monthly updates on our blog as space and time allow. 

These will be posted in the order in which they are received. 

(Online messages are monitored on Tuesdays and Thursdays.) 

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN 

Open to all local creative individuals and organizations living or working in Allegany County, NY, Local Creators are Invited to Sign Up for inclusion in the new FREE online directory. This directory is intended to become a unified equitable resource to allow current and potential patrons to find your creative work. Thank you for your patience as this content is updated in the order in which it is received.

                          A MESSAGE FROM THE ALLEGANY ARTS ASSOCIATION 

The Belfast Organization for Artists is a charitable project of sheilalynnkart.com

This winter you will find THE MOST CURRENT BOFA UPDATES POSTED IN THE FREE PUBLIC ACTIVITY FEED ON Sheila's PATREON Page. Patreon is a platform which allows you to communicate with and access the content of your favorite creators and their communities without third party advertisements, political content, or other junk you may not want. It's free to follow. Paid subscriptions include e-fees and applicable sales tax. 

Keeping Art Accessible to All Members of Our Rural Community
We believe Culture is a Human Right. #RightToBelong
In November 2018, SheilaLynnK Art Studio adopted a Cultural Policy of Belonging

By visiting:
sheilalynnkart.com,
sheilalynnkart.blogspot.com,
and its project pages:
artforarachnoiditis.org
and belfastorganizationforartists.blogspot.com
you hereby accept the terms of and practices detailed in our
ONLINE PRIVACY POLICY.

If you would like to make a Tax-deductible contribution to support Charitable Art Projects at SheilaLynnK Art Studio you can find out more about that HERE.

Feel free to Contact the studio with questions or concerns regarding BOFA projects and activities. 

"The Choice" & Our Virtual 2020SWAN Days Activities

CELEBRATING THE 13th INTERNATIONAL Support Women Artists Now Day 

As our art exhibit sits looking at itself in the exhibition room at the David A. Howe Library, our socially responsible artists have submitted digital images of their work to share with you here. Supplemental images have also been provided by KAKruger Photography, a local woman-owned creative business based in Wellsville, NY. Our participating artists retain all rights to the work shared here.   

The music for our video is provided by our Featured Acoustic Artist ~Kristina Snyder 

   "The Choice" ~ "We're all just people living in the same world...We're in this together. " 
Music and Lyrics by Kristina Snyder, Back up vocals and organ- Jared Cooper, Saxaphone- Christian
Pimentel, Producer- Tye Cowher.  Kristina is a full-time farmer and a mother of two boys. Music is her passion. This entry was submitted to SWAN Days Allegany County NY on March 9th.   

The 2020 SWAN Days Allegany County, NY Visual Artists 
Participating in the Virtual Show are:
Alexis Odle  , Betsy Orlando of Betsy Orlando Stitchery, Pat Shannon Gay of Studio Donnybrook , Molly Pike Riccardi, Mary Warner of Angelica Ink Letterpress, Susan Doran of Angelica Ink Letterpress, Kristen Kruger of KAKruger Photography, Karen Lang of KLangArtOnline, Barbara Kubiak, Kathryn Garrison, Carol Ann Chapman Ewert, Megan Frutiger, Miranda Earley, Kristina Snyder ~  "The Choice" on SoundCloud, Ricci Reed (Entry delayed due to COVID19 logistics. Her work will be added as soon as it becomes available.)   

THE CHOICE
BY KRISTINA SNYDER
VERSE:
Walking around with the weight of the world
bitterness a chip on my shoulder
I can’t see clear anymore
the grudge is making me blind
then one day got opened up my eyes
and I made a choice to see the light
Chorus:
We are all just people living in the same world
walking round broken and afraid
we’re all just people living in the same world
walking around hurting and ashamed
Verse 2:
but if we take a second to look a little deeper
there’s more inside the light becomes clearer
we’re broken but we’re alive
to ourselves we have to die
the pieces put back together
share the light with one another
healing comes the day is new and we’re in this together
Chorus:
We are all just people living in the same world
walking round broken and afraid
we’re all just people living in the same world
walking around hurting and ashamed
BRIDGE
so be kind to one another extend grace.
stop trying to save face

WATCH FOR BIOS AND INFO ON OUR FEATURED ARTIST PAGES COMING IN APRIL
An annual event in the Western NY Wilds. Celebrated locally since 2014 in partnership with The Belfast Organization for Artists to shine a light on our local Women Artists as a Creative resource; SWAN Day Allegany County NY has been held in honor of the many creative people working hard to keep the arts accessible to all members of our rural community.
SWAN Days Allegany County, NY is a charitable project of SheilaLynnK Art Studio.  If you would like to make a Tax-deductible contribution to Charitable Art Projects and Events at SheilaLynnK Art Studio you can find out more about that HERE. 

2020 SWAN Days Allegany County NY Postponed

Thank you for your patience 

while we explore alternative methods 

to celebrate 2020 SWAN Day together. 

Click HERE to watch for updates

2020 SWAN Days Allegany County NY

2019SWANDays Art Show entries by local artists: 

Kathryn Garrison, Betsy Orlando, Sarah Phillips, 

Vicki White, Kami Oberst, Kristen Kruger, and Eleanor Cott

Allegany County, NY artists, entrepreneurs, libraries, and other public venues are invited to host and post events and activities by, for, and about women in the arts.
Through the months of March and April, updates are posted HERE in the order in which they are received.                                   This FREE listing is shared with the international SWAN Day Calendar at Statera Arts. Held annually in honor of the local creators and patrons keeping the arts accessible to all members of our rural community, 2020 SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Days Allegany County, NY invites you to join us in celebrating women in the arts.

HERE IS WHAT IS HAPPENING IN 2020

$100 #SWANShelfie fund for a local library

One Allegany County, NY Library participating in the 2020 SWANShelfie social media contest 

March 1st – 25th, will be selected to receive a $100 SWANfund toward the purchase of any women in arts media of their choice. 

SWANShelfie Registration information is HERE 

$100 SWANSongs fund for a local female acoustic artist

One local female acoustic artist will be the recipient of a $100 stipend to perform a thirty-minute set at the SWAN Day Party on March 28th. Accepting work samples March 1 – 15th. Late entries will not be considered. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS IS HERE 

SWAN Days Annual Art Show & Sale CALL FOR ARTISTS

Local women artists age 18 and up residing or working in Allegany County, NY, are invited to display their work in the annual art show & sale in the David A. Howe Library exhibition room. Pre-registration is required by March 6th. 

Ready-to-Display Media Accepted:  Illustration, Drawing & Painting, Fabric Arts, Wood Works, Mixed-media, and Up-cycled Art. Participating artists who submit a bio will be featured on our event pages.  

Entry Fee $10 per entry  

(Limit: THREE entries per person. This entry fee is required for works to be included in the voting process for the cash awards. Please indicate on your entry form if you are submitting a work without payment for "display/sale purposes only". Buyers will contact the artist to arrange purchase. Purchased art may be picked up after the end of the exhibit.)  

Art Show entry forms and details are HERE 

The 2020 SWAN Days Art Show & Sale will be free and open to the public 

March 16th – March 27th and March 30th – April 3rd during regular library hours.

Winners are determined by visitors’ votes. Voting will take place at the library 

March 18th 4:30-7pm. Light Refreshments provided. 

Each visitor wishing to vote will sign in at the door to receive ONE ballot. 

Winners will be selected based on the number of votes received for each award category.

AWARD Categories

“BEST IN SHOW” $100, “Best Craftsmanship & Presentation” $50, “Most Unique” $50, 

“Favorite Entry Featuring a Swan” $45  Winners TBA at the SWAN Day Party on March 28th.                                                                                   

SWAN Day Party March 28th 11:30-1:30 

at David A. Howe Library Exhibition Room in Wellsville, NY 

Receive your ticket to attend when you RSVP to SheilaLynnK Art Studio by March 6th. 

The SWAN Day Party is a free event to celebrate our local women artists and those keeping the arts accessible to all members of our rural community. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to pass. Those wearing or bringing a swan (no live animals please) will be entered for a chance to win a fun door prize. A table will be available to present your artsy news and biz cards. 

Now in its 13th year, Support Women Artists Now Day/SWAN Day is an annual international celebration of women’s creativity and gender parity activism, co-founded by Martha Richards of WomenArts and Jan Lisa Huttner of FF2 Media in 2008. SWAN Day is now a grassroots international effort that is being coordinated by Statera Foundation and WomenArts through the Statera Arts Website.  

SWAN Days Allegany County, NY is a charitable project of SheilaLynnK Art Studio in partnership with the Belfast Organization for Artists in Belfast, NY 

FIND OUT HOW TO SUPPORT SWANDays Allegany County NY