BRATTLEBORO — On the heels of the July 4 holiday, when Americans remember their country's freedom, and every citizens' right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” two artists and Write Action ask everyone to remember that “we are all refugees” and that our nation was founded by those seeking relief from violence and oppression.
The public is invited to participate in a themed open reading, titled “We Are All Refugees: Bearing Witness,” on Sunday, July 9, between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., at Gallery 34, the downstairs gallery and print room of the River Gallery School at 34 Main St.
The artists and writers who organized this event suggest a broad interpretation of the theme. At least one writer participating has actually been to Syria and worked with the refugees and will share writing from that experience. Others may interpret the theme in the Buddhist sense of “seeking refuge” from the ills of the world.
The event is connected to two shows that have been up at the River Gallery School's Gallery 34.
Lori Schreiner's paintings of Syrian refugee children, which were on display in June, were initially inspired by a news photo of Omran Dagneesh, a young boy caught in the fighting in Syria.
Carol Boyes' paintings are more portrait-like and include paintings of the refugee camps, with their long rows of tents. Her show will open on Gallery Walk on July 7 and stay up through the end of the month.
Participants are invited to read an original poem or prose piece relevant to the theme or one by an author who has moved them, in the presence of these powerful images.
Those wishing to read may sign up at Gallery 34 on Gallery Walk, during the opening of Carol Boyes' exhibit. Or participants may sign up at the open reading. Each reader will have a seven-minute time limit.
Admission is by donation and all money collected will be donated to Doctors Without Borders and the International Rescue Committee.