CAC@SJB's Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop Comes to a Rousing Conclusion!

The Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop Family fills the Center with much love

A wonderful group of 20 teens and adults (along with a couple of 11 yr. old's) braved the cold and rainy weather to attend the final full session of the Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop at the Center for the Arts & Culture @St. John the Baptist in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. It was facillitated once again by The In Progress Group's Luis Bernard, last Saturday, April 8th.. and it was simply one workshop that we will never forget!

Luis Bernard engages the talented workshop group once again..


The poets get to work on a writing exercise during the workshop

This 4th Saturday session of the poetry workshop turned out to be the deepest, and most heart-felt session of all. With the ever inventive, Luis Bernard, offering the group a couple of writing exercises, this poetic group of teens and adults was off and running!

Young poet, William Locario (one of SJB parish's most gifted teens),
gets the workshop going in the right direction

After a 15-minute writing session, one by one, all the participating poets took turns sharing their writings.. and it was just amazing how each offering was so unique from one another, and yet so heartfelt and universal at the same time. Deep thoughts, feelings, emotions, laughter, and even some tears were shared that filled the Center with a lot of love and respect for one another. Not a more beautiful day could we have expected on a rainy and cold afternoon in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

Representing Brooklyn, Dominique opens up.. and it was great
having her share her writings (and her heart) with us

We were so impressed by all the teens and adults who attended.. all coming from different areas in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, New Jersey, and from as far as SUNY Purchase College near Connecticut! We are so grateful to all of them for their commitment, making the time, and for taking part in this special workshop. We hope we made it worth the trip for all of you!

Cynthia even brought her teenage son, Manny, to the workshop..
and it was a blessing having him with us!

The fact that they even wanted the workshop to continue was even more moving. It was the largest number (20) that attended a workshop we've had to date, and that is a testimony to the enjoyment and impact of the poetry workshop for all who participated.. because these dedicated young and adult poets sure made an impression on us, and one another, which is the most important, and greatest thing of all! Over 30 teens and adults attended all 4 Saturday workshops. After one Saturday off, due to Spring Break and Easter week, we are going to cap the workshop this coming Saturday. (By the way, we really hope your Easter Holiday was a blessed one!)

SUNY Purchase student and unique poet, Anthony, cuts it all loose at the workshop..



..while young poet, Ivan Angel (r), opens up and lets it flow.

To bring this Spring 2006 Poetry Workshop to a close, we are having a Special Open-mic Afternoon at the Center this coming Saturday, April 22 from 1 - 4 pm for all the teen and adult poets who participated in the workshops. All of you are welcome.. and the poets are expected to attend to come share their stuff with all of us.. or we are going to have to set the Poetry Dogs out on you to bring you in! WE ARE TRULY LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.. hearing your poetry, that is!

Always reliable, dedicated, and creative, Richie, never lets us down..
and just keeps getting better and better!


Very special guest, and amazing Spoken Word poet, Falu, came down
once again to share her deep soul with the whole group

So, make sure to make a note of it on your calendar, and post it on your fridge.. this coming Saturday's open-mic afternoon promises to be an event you don't want to miss, or hear all about from someone who was there. Don't let that happen to you if you can help it! It's gonna be a lot of fun.. so make sure you are there to be a part of the wonderful memories that are sure to be made. Feel free to invite your friends and family to this special afternoon open-mic event.. and as always.. lite food and refreshments will be served.

We 're all gonna be there for the open-mic! And you know it!

As always.. for more info on the poetry workshops, and this upcoming open-mic afternoon at the CAC@SJB, contact Luis Bernard at InProgress@verizon.net, or at 347-623-2547.

For more info on CAC@SJB, and for upcoming events, keep posted to this site, or feel free to contact, Glenn Angel Echevarria by calling and leaving a message at 718-455-6864 ext. 152 b4 8pm. or via e-mail at CACSJB@yahoo.com or GlennAngel68@yahoo.com.

For Directions.. link into "Directions to the Center" at the top right side of this post.

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!