Words: A Four Day Launch at The Center
It’s fitting that the Burchfield Penney Art Center would choose National Poetry Month to celebrate Buffalo's many contributions to the literary world of the late-twentieth century. As the only museum exclusively dedicated to the art and artists of Western New York, the Burchfield Penney has provided the setting for some of the region's most important literary arts events. That tradition continues this week with Words: A Four Day Launch at The Center, Thursday, April 10, through Sunday, April 13, a festival of performances, readings, and conversations that reflect both the exhibitions currently on view at the museum and the power of writing.
Event Highlights
Redefining Play
A two-day celebration that includes a fun lecture for adults and some serious playtime for kids. Held in celebration of UK-based program Pop-Up Adventure Play's first-ever U.S. tour.
The Playgrounds Children Build For Themselves
Wednesday, April 9, 6 pm
Lecture co-presented by Pop-Up Park Buffalo.
Pop Up Adventure Play Day in the Front Yard
Thursday, April 10, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Self-directed play for children ages 3-9 with play advocates from Pop-Up Adventure Play and Pop-Up Park Buffalo.
Words in the Front Yard
Thursday, April 10–Sunday, April 13
The community reads from Charles Burchfield's journals accompanied by sounds from the locations where the legendary painter created some of his most enlightened work. Some of Western New York’s most accomplished poets will also read their own poetry.
Reading: Mortal and Immortals
Thursday, April 10, 7–9 pm
Members of the Burchfield Penney Art Center Poetry Committee will read selected poems from Mortals and Immortals, an anthology celebrating the 35th anniversary of Poets and Writers at the Burchfield Penney.
Slow Art Day
Saturday, April 12, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Slow Art Day is a global event with a simple mission: "help more people discover for themselves the joy of looking at and loving art." At the Burchfield Penney, visitors will spend an extended period of time with one work of art, discuss select pieces with facilitators, then gather in Burchfield's Cafe to discuss our experiences.
Ishmael Reed
Lecture/Discussion: The Local and the Global - A Conversation with Ishmael Reed and Jeff Simon
Saturday, April 12, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
A conversation with renowned American author and activist Ishmael Reed and Buffalo News arts editor Jeff Simon. Conversation introduced by Burchfield Penney Executive Director Tony Bannon.
Reading: Ishmael Reed
Saturday, April 12, 8:00–9:30 p.m.
Reed is an American poet, essayist, songwriter, playwright, and novelist, as well as being an editor and publisher. Reed is known for his satirical works challenging American political culture, and highlighting political and cultural oppression.
Tickets: $10 general; $7 students/seniors; $5 Burchfield Penney members. Available online or by calling (716) 878-6011.
Ed Sanders
Lecture Discussion: Ed Sanders and Anthony Bannon
Sunday, April 13, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Burchfield Penney Executive Director Tony Bannon and counterculture icon Ed Sanders discussing the leadership role Buffalo has played during the past half century in shaping the ideas of our postmodern era.
Performance: Poetry and Dance
Sunday, April 13, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Dancers/choreographers create new works inspired by Ed Sanders’s early-1960s work, “Poem From Jail.” Sanders (with Michael Basinski and Annette Taylor) will read his classic poem to the choreography of Jon Lehrer. Dancers Melanie Aceto, Leah Fiore, and Nancy Hughes will perform.
Tickets: $10 general; $7 students/seniors; $5 Burchfield Penney members. Available online or by calling (716) 878-6011.