Celebrate Pride, Poetry and Music at the Milton Art Center’s First Friday, June 6, 6-9pm.
Joan Clifford, Executive Director
Poets, Eve Lyons, Anastasia Vassos, and DeMisty Bellinger will be reading selections from their published work from 6 -7:15 pm. The three poets met at author Marge Piercy’s juried workshop.
Eve Lyons, a local poet, fiction writer, playwright and expressive arts therapist, is the author of “Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World,” with work appearing in various literary journals and anthologies, including Lilith, Literary Mama, Hip Mama, Mutha Magazine, and Word Riot.
Lyon’s poetry often delves into personal identity and intersectionality, addressing the nuances of cultural and religious identity. Her experiences as a mother inform her reflections on parenting, love, and the challenges of raising children in contemporary society. Lyons also confronts issues such as racial injustice, privilege, and societal inequities, urging readers to engage in self-reflection and advocacy. Drawing from her background in expressive arts therapy, her work emphasizes the transformative power of art in personal and communal healing.
Her poem “Stolen Camera,” Lyons begins with a straightforward narrative; someone has stolen her old camera containing eighteen photographs from the San Francisco Gay Pride event. However the poem quickly transcends this incident, exploring the limitations of photographs in capturing the essence of experiences and relationships. Lyons reflects on the inadequacy of both poetry and photography in fully encapsulating moments, emotions, and the complexities of human connections. The stolen camera becomes a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of experiences and the futility of trying to preserve them entirely.
DeMisty D.Bellinger is a multifaceted poet, novelist, and educator whose work delves into themes of race, gender, motherhood and identity. Her poetry collections include “Peculiar Heritage” and “Rubbing Elbows,” and she also authored the novel “New to Liberty.” Bellinger teaches creative writing at Fitchburg State University and is actively involved in literary communities, including Marge Piercy’s writing workshops.
One of her notable poems, “Black Madonna,”published in Pangyrus in 2022, is a profound exploration of Black femininity, spirituality, and resistance. The poem is structured in three parts, each invoking different representations of the Black Madonna. Through this poem, Bellinger challenges readers to confront historical and ongoing efforts to suppress Black identity and encourages a celebration of Black womanhood in all its forms.
Anastasia Vassos is a poet whose work intricately weaves themes of identity, memory, and the human experience, often drawing upon her Greek heritage and personal history. Her poetry collections “Nike Adjusting Her Sandal” and “Nostos,” in addition to poetry featured in RHINO, Thrush, and other journals,.showcase her ability to blend the personal with the universal, creating poignant reflections on life’s complexities.
One of her notable poems that delves into loss and remembrance is “Elegy in Flannel & Cotton,” written in memory of Louise Gluck. This piece contemplates the mortality of poets and the enduring nature of their words. Her work invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of grief and the ways in which art can serve as a conduit for remembrance.
Live music starts at 7:30pm with song selections honoring LGBTQ+ music icons.
Featured musical inspirations include Sam Smith, Phoebe Bridgers, Little Richard, The Pet Shop Boys, and The Smiths performed by Ron Fletcher, Franc Graham, Jeremy Blanchard, Steve Cousineau, Owl Haus, Todd Thomsen and more.
Organizer, Jennifer Raymond, notes that “ LGBTQ+ people are rarely given credit for what they contribute to society, whether in art, music, inventions, heroism, or any variety of things. More and more states are banning any mention of LGBTQ+ in schools which means that kids get the impression that LGBTQ+ people do not do anything positive or deserving of being included in what they learn,” said Raymond.
The evening will be a tribute to the power of artistic expression in creating space for identity, resilience and connection. We welcome all to join us in celebrating Pride with creativity and community.