On the importance of art and culture, and supporting local artist communities in a time of coronavirus pandemic
Today is Good Friday for many people and I decided to post something for this Easter weekend. There’s no doubt that spring holidays–Passover or Easter (Catholic or Orthodox)–are quite different this year for many of us. Maybe this is a time to reflect more, to appreciate more our local communities of artists, arts, and culture and the local gatherings they organize for us, all.
That brings me to the Symposia bookstore.
I discovered Symposia many years ago, back in 2004 when looking for venues to potentially promote my upcoming book(s). That’s how I met the wonderful, talented, and awesome Carmen Rusu who makes all the magic happen at Symposia.
Not only did I have a wonderful book opening, but started to attend many of the wonderful events hosted by Symposia–in particular the open mic evenings and community gatherings, through which I discovered a community of local artists, and made wonderful friends.
Truth is that Symposia Bookstore is the heart and soul of our community here, on the Jersey side of the Hudson River. Artists of all kinds call Symposia their home, and gather there to share their work with the community–read and discuss poetry, play music, or take yoga classes taught by Carmen Rusu, herself (I’ve taken a few of those yoga classes myself and can say that they can better your life–body, body, mind, and soul). Symposia also offers Puppetonia shows that always fill the bookstore.
Nowadays, in a time of covid-19, many of those Symposia events and shows are now available online. For example, here are more details about the Puppetonia show, per Carmen Rusu herself:
PUPPETONIA live stream puppet show:
Sunday, April 12th at 11 am platform on Facebook at Puppetonia Shows: “Spring Time” Spring is here! The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and Bunny is throwing her annual Spring Party! But where is Bunny? We go on a hunt to find our missing friend while enjoying all the new sights and smells of the season!
If you can, we encourage you to pay whatever you are able to through Venmo @Puppetonia-Shows or by credit card/ PayPal on our website www.puppetonia.com
The price for a show is $18 but any contribution is welcome.
For more info contact us at puppetonia@gmail.com or 201-805-1739.
So, what do you say, let’s Keep Symposia Alive. Click here, to find out how you can help.
With that, I wish you all a Happy Easter, Happy Spring Holidays and a wonderful weekend ahead. Stay safe and healthy, and, as always, thanks for stopping by!
Alina Oswald 