Santa Barbara Poetry Celebration

Expressing creativity can be a great way to free your mind of
worry and anxiety, and to help improve your attitude &
outlook on life. This podcast features an interview with two
emeritus Santa Barbara Poet Laureates followed by a collection of
poems read by the artists who wrote them. Listening to this
podcast just may inspire you to get in touch with your inner
artist!


The poetry world is blooming in Santa Barbara. Local artists
recently gathered to celebrate the release of Rare Feathers,
Poems on Birds and Art (Gunpowder Press 2015).


The book is a collection of poems inspired by “Flock,” the large
art installation (2015) at Ganna Walska Lotusland, the Montecito
estate and former home of the late opera singer who indulged in
her passion for exotic plants.


Artist Nancy Gifford curated Flock at Lotusland, and served as an
editor on the Rare Feathers book. Nancy and her husband, Michael,
hosted the party and poetry reading at their home in Montecito.


In this podcast, you’ll hear my interview with Gunpowder Press
publishers Chryss Yost and David Starkey, both artists who are
also emeritus Santa Barbara Poet Laureates. You’ll also be
treated to some of the poems from Rare Feathers, read by the
poets who wrote them


Following my chat with Starkey & Host, you will hear several
Flock poets reading their poems.


Poets featured on this podcast include Mary Brown, Susan
Chiavelli, Gabriella Klein, Perie Longo, Enid Osborn, Melinda
Palacio, Christine Penko, Santa Barbara Poet
Laureate Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, Emma Trelles and George
Yatchisin.


The bonus content in this episode features my chat with artist
Nancy Gifford, who put together the art installations at
Lotusland that these poets are writing about.