A Celebration of the Arts... YES, delight it was...

A Celebration of the Arts... YES, delight it was... and here the Saint Thomas Aquinas, STAC,  Improv Players with Rose Marie Raccioppi, Poet Laureate, leading a fun filled Poetry JAM... rhyme time in total JOY!! 

St. Thomas Aquinas College held the Campaign for Artful Resistance: A Celebration of the Arts, Saturday,  September 28, 2013,  in the Romano Student Alumni Center.

The event is one of many organized nationwide by Save Our Schools, which works to support the arts in education and advocates a move away from a test-based curriculum.

So pleased to have been a part of this most significant community event. As so delightfully expressed in song, 'there is no SMART without ART'... learning is a creative process... YES, it is to 'juggle' left brain and right brain to be the whole brain learning that serves the totality of BEING.  

All inquires welcomed... whole brain learning at its best: 
http://www.apogeelearning.com/

Photos: Joe Gartner provided the pictures from STAC's Campaign for Artful Resistance: A Celebration of the Arts. 

What BE... written for this event, by Rose Marie Raccioppi, 
read by the Improv Players as a finale ...

What BE

what be the purpose of words to share

but to know of one's heart expressing care

what be the purpose of banner and praise

but to bring celebration to our gift of days

what be the purpose to guide and teach

but to know that beauty and truth are within our reach

what be the purpose to know of time, space and measure

but to account for life's perceived treasure

what be the purpose to know of vistas so very far

but to know that we too hold the light of a star

what be the purpose to know of history and time's story

but to understand the ever present quest for power and glory 

what be the purpose of drama and stage

but to act out the calling of soul, time and age
what be the purpose of music, dance and a song to sing
but to know the pulsing our hearts do bring

what be the purpose to draw, paint, sculpt, to hold a vision divine

but to  revere and mark in splendor a life yours, a life mine 

what be the purpose of holding accord of word and deed

but to live the honor of our days as a blessed creed.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

A Sunday Caller...

A call moments ago, I did receive

What was I presently doing, what to perceive

Words of his day and an expressed  pressing need

Thoughts within consciousness planted, as too, a seed

Is it dismay and expression of dread that I am to hear

Within I declare a knowing faith, beyond the told and untold fear

Sense I do an awakening to Spirit be sought

And to this,  a word of understanding to heart be brought

Listen I,  and in a telling, a harvest from Creation's grace

Within each challenge be a lesson in life's book of time we place

And so the sense of pain, loss and fear of the calling moment now

Eased by the Spirit reaping the harvest of Faith's loving vow.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York 

Genesis, APOGEE Vibrational Art,  ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, http://www.thesoundinglight.blogspot.com

A September Sunday Morning

Experience the BEINGNESS of ALL
To BE is the ever present ardent call
Birth Eternal in thought, vision and wakeful determination
This the endowment of Spirit in creative celebration
The breath, the ebb and flow of time and life we embrace
And within our pulsing heart a moment of eternity we place
Season of change and our life to divinely unfold
Our light, our form, our vision, BE our story told.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Dreams Enfold, APOGEE Vibrational Art,©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013,  http://www.thesoundinglight.blogspot.com

September Dawning Light ~ A Verdant Song

September dawning light and wind upon garden green

Touches of golden hue upon leaves now seen

A verdant song in wind's whispers I perceive

Season of change, nature's palette within Presence conceived.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Verdant Song, APOGEE Vibrational Art, http://www.thesoundinglight.blogspot.com. ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013.

Breath... and I listen... Meditations: Native American Flute Album

Breath... And I listen...

When breath becomes a sounding grace
Within it finds a sacred place
When breath becomes a lilting sublime
Within it finds the knowing divine
When breath becomes the life it gives
Within the spirit the splendor lives.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York 

...with blush ever new...

green leaves, branch and bough
in homage to the season's vow
a season with blush ever anew
crimson, russet, golden tone and hue
a palette of color be this joyful array
known as the delights of an early fall day
brilliant be nature's blessed bounty all
melodies of color sing out sing out, 'tis Fall.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Autumn Fantasy, APOGEE Vibrational Art,  http://thesoundinglight.blogspot.com/ ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013.

Rose Marie Raccioppi, Poet Laureate to lead a POETRY JAM at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE, CAMPAIGN FOR ARTFUL RESISTANCE: A CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

A CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

(September 16, 2013—Sparkill, NY) – St. Thomas Aquinas College will host the First Annual Campaign for Artful Resistance: A Celebration of the Arts on Saturday, September 28, 2013, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Romano Student Alumni Center, announced Dr. Michael Shaw, Professor of Education at the College. This event is free and welcomes families, educators and the public.

This event is an initiative designed to recognize and restore arts education in the curriculum. The Celebration also includes a STAR Arts Education Showcase of local musical and theater performers along with interactive singing, hands-on arts workshops, and a poetry jam. The Arts Celebration will be highlighted by a Special Family Concert by Tom Chapin at 2 p.m. Chapin (pictured) is an entertainer, singer-songwriter, storyteller, and Grammy Award-winning musician.

Other performers and workshop participants include: Bossy Frog Band (music); Elise Krakower (storytelling); Lou Gallo (singing stories); Chiku Awali (African drumming and dance); Alice Leon (songwriter); Wendy Baker (theater arts); Lisa Karrer and David Simons (World Music and Homemade Instruments); Hudson Vagabond Puppets; Rose Marie Raccioppi and the STAC Laetare Players (theater and poetry); Amazing Grace Circus (student jugglers); the STAC Art Therapy Club, art and art education students; and Terry Moore and the STAC House Band.

This event is supported by a grant from First Niagara Foundation and is co-sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas College, Rockland Teachers’ Center Institute, Rockland Reading Council, and Save Our Schools.

This is one of many arts events across the country organized by Save Our Schools, a national organization to support whole child education that centers on advocacy to change current test-based curriculum and view public education as a civil right. The First Niagara Foundation awarded St. Thomas Aquinas College a $5,000 grant to support the “Enhancing and Enriching Literacy Across the Curriculum” series of events for students, teachers, and community members. The Celebration of the Arts is the first of three events in the series.

“This event will by a joyful day of interactive music, singing and hands-on workshops in theater and art for families and educators. This event is one of many arts celebrations across the country to send the message that education needs to teach the whole child rather than just prepare students for tests,” said Shaw. “The Campaign for Artful Resistance is the initiative of Save Our Schools, a national grass roots organization that is working to create a vision of schooling that centers on an end to high stakes testing and evaluation; equitable funding for all public schools; curriculum developed for and by local school communities; teacher, family and community leadership in forming public education policies; and professional, qualified, and committed teachers in all public schools,” added Shaw.

About First Niagara Foundation
First Niagara Foundation is a not for profit corporation founded in 1998. The Foundation is committed to supporting organizations in the communities in which we live and work with specific focus on youth and education, community development and neighborhood revitalization. In 2012 the Foundation contributed more than $10 million in charitable grants to community partners. For more information, visit www.firstniagara.com/community.

About Save Our Schools 

Save Our Schools is dedicated to public education as the cornerstone of a democratic society. They are committed to education policy and actions that allow students, teachers, families, and communities to work together to meet the needs of all children. For more information, visit http://saveourschoolsmarch.org/.

For more information about The Campaign for Artful Resistance, contact Dr. Shaw at 845-398-4079 or mshaw@stac.edu.

St. Thomas Aquinas College is an independent liberal arts college located on 60 acres in Rockland County, NY which provides education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The College’s 2,800 full and part time students can choose from more than 100 different majors, minors, specializations, and dual degree programs across three Schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education. The College is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the Top-Tier for Regional Universities, by Colleges of Distinction in both its New York and Catholic editions, by Affordable Colleges Online as a top College in New York for Return on Investment, and is included as a Military Friendly School®. St. Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; its School of Education is accredited by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); and its School of Business is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). For more information, visit www.stac.edu.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Danielle N. Kobryn, 845-398-4016, dkobryn@stac.edu

Contributing Writer: Dr. M. Shaw

Click on image for larger view...

COME Be Part of the Happening!!

Poetic Encounters with the Harvest Moon...

~

Harvest Moon

Full moon so captivating is your light
A radiant halo dons this night
Shimmering waves of violet, blue and gray
Such be the splendor of your glowing array
Held I in your command of ocean and sea
Cresting be these tides of time held within me.

At the noon hour... within the Harvest Moon...

the sun yet shines
the wind in a gentle whisper
the leaves in their fall blush new
this the magic of time gifted on to you
the child yet smiles
and we in all that prevails
the dream yet to fill the night
hold we to Creation's divine moonlight...

At  this night hour... in Tappan, New York...

the harvest moon in silent splendor

crickets don the dark with song

the train whistle heard from afar

sweet be the tidings of September.

The Harvest Moon Speaks its Light

This moment IS
Your heart the harmony
Your soul the spirit
Your faith the sun
Your mind the moon
Your breath the ebb and flow
After and before all time
IS.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

The Night of the Harvest Moon

entrancing be this rhythmic sounding
the night in its captivating calls
crickets in mystical orchestration
the air still and gently cool
seductive be this darkened vista
bewitching light of the harvest moon
corona of jeweled tones luminous
this the rapture of a September night.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Photo: Google search.

POET, as educator, artist, advocate... What Be

what be the purpose of words to share

but to know of one's heart expressing care

what be the purpose of banner and praise

but to bring celebration to our gift of days

what be the purpose to guide and teach

but to know that beauty and truth are within our reach

what be the purpose to know of time, space and measure

but to account for life's perceived treasure

what be the purpose to know of vistas so very far

but to know that we too hold the light of a star

what be the purpose to know of history and time's story

but to understand the ever present quest for power and glory 

what be the purpose of drama and stage

but to act out the calling of soul, time and age
what be the purpose of music, dance and a song to sing
but to know the pulsing our hearts do bring

what be the purpose to draw, paint, sculpt, to hold a vision divine

but to  revere and mark in splendor a life yours, a life mine 

what be the purpose of holding accord of word and deed

but to live the honor of our days as a blessed creed.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

The Inspiration of the Poet, Oil on canvas, 1629-1630, Musée du Louvre, Nicolas Poussin, 1594 - 1665.

In This Deep Breath

Travails dispelled in this deep breath of early morn
The dogwood of many seasons holds the morning light
Reaching bough and branch create shadows
A dancing grandeur cast upon the yet green grass
So gentle is the sway of the crimson stroked leaves
The crisp morning air upon my face
The mirth of bubbling water
Circles, ripples, reflecting light and shadow

In the grandeur of the morning light

In the grandeur of this deep breath.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Dogwood ~ Morning Light, Photo: Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013.

September Sun

The warmth of the September sun I do feel
Whispers of the changing season this day to reveal
Vibrant strokes of crimson upon dogwood tree leaves
Taken alight by this day's gentle caressing breeze
A calm resolve, Summer's bloom hushed in fulfillment array
Trees, brush, fields of green, readied for the Fall parlay.


Rose Marie Raccioppi 
Poet Laureate 
Orangetown, New York 

Photo, Crimson Upon Dogwood, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013.

"Palette and Word ~ Artistry of Rose Marie Raccioppi"

BE It Woven

Color and hue of many a textured thought
Nubs and frails that the day has brought
Silken threads of sweet spirit sublime
With strength of heart in each threaded line
And what is this that you perceive
To bring to this cloth you do weave
The warp and weft of faith be chosen
The cloth of benevolence be it woven.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York 

image credit: thread designs 4u.

Light Behind the Storm ~ 12 years after 9/11

Here in New York dark skies at the noon hour
Thunderous sounding now heard
Could it be the lament of a yesterday, a yesteryear
Could it be the grief yet known for that ominous day of 9/11
Today, 12 years since the day after tragic loss, the human spirit prevails
The rains, as too tears, the heart's nourishing libation
And the light behind the storm is held in the NOW.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Light Behind the Storm, Watercolor, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, http://www.apogeeart.com

9/11 ~ And so WE Remember...

September 11, 2001

A decade plus two years have gone by
Since horror besieged that September 11th sky
A morning that yet echoes lament and loss real
Tears, heartache, shock, beyond all conceal
Time alone does not ease the grief and pain
For the inward scars of loss long long remain
Deep within, a loving wise, to hold, to embrace
Memory of our loved ones within heart we place
In dedication, in honor, and with everlasting love
Blessed BE the souls that dwell within heavens above.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

With Words and Sounds

with words and sounds play I must
the MUSE beckoning wise I trust
words and sounds in accord they to be
with the music, the melody deep within me
so found be words of reflection and thought
I in gratitude to what the MUSE has brought
words and sounds now given to be best
upon the journal page with pen I lay rest
inspired by the delight and seduction divine
moments of musing,  passionate and sublime.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Photo: WORDS words, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi. 2011-2013.

This Moment ~ Upon the Crystal...

This Moment...

The sky a clear lambent blue

The sun in its setting dazzling view

Leaves illumed with the brilliance of light

This day in grace and glory bids the night

The day the night in twilight majesty divine

Embraced by this moment yours, this moment mine.

Upon the Crystal...

Held be the vision clear

Banished be illusion and fear

See I with both heart and mind

Beyond all perceived constraints of time

Boundless and timeless soaring spirit in flight

Blessed in PRAISE blessed in LIGHT

The setting sun in splendor and grace

Upon the crystal its majesty to place

Colors of passion, the light of desire

Within is held spirit's flame and fire.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Upon the Crystal, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013.

Splendor of N O W

at the open window
the warmth of the Sunday sun
the gentle wind of the changing season
touches of crimson on the dogwood tree
holding to the brilliant noon day light
thought, reflection, reverie real
as summer bids its final days
trees blush in the glory of colors emergent
lush green from nature's libation sweet
rustling leaves sound a whispering melody
this the moment in its splendor of NOW.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Seurat Pointillism

Each ripple of time

each point of light

upon the canvas of BEING

The ALL perceived 

within each gesture 

each stroke of PRAISE.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte 

(Un dimanche après-midi à l’Ile de la Grande Jatte), Georges Seurat, 1884-1886.

Cloak of Dawn... Threads of Time...

Threads of time, experiences, thoughts, visions, within the moment, 

within each season of change... ever the Cloak of Dawn...

we gave a cry and all rejoiced for this our birth complete
we are our first steps greeted with open arms
our first word that brought an admiring smile...

trace the years and their memories await anew
a montage, a kaleidoscope, of one's life view
sounds, impressions, of place time and moments sweet
where our dreams and our days come to meet
praise, punishment, joy and pain come to define
a life known as rightly yours, a life lived as mine
and what brings reason to pause this very day
but the wondrous Creation given by Life along its way
decades of moons have brought mystery and delight
magical be this waxing and waning of Creation's light
and so this heart, this soul, in time's grasp and claim
be held in the spirit and glory of our Creator's name
be it of yesterdays or days yet, and dreams enfold
each new gaze, a breath, a sigh, be this our story told
with threads of time cloak of dawn we weave
be it the warp and weft of Divinity conceived.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown,  New York

Cloak of Dawn, APOGEE Vibrational Art, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013.

This Night Crimson

The light brilliant above the trees
The air is gently cool and still
Each branch, each leaf before me motionless
The light of this day quickens to its rest
Laced in brilliant strokes of crimson
This day bids its close
The sound of crickets in blissful serenade
Feel I the caress of the coming of night
Skyward I am bound
In the embrace of Presence
In this night crimson.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


This Night Crimson, Watercolor, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013.

A Celebration of the Arts...First Annual Campaign for Artful Resistance ~ Bringing passion, punch, play, power, to the poetic word ...

Click on image for a larger view

The Black Stone Path

A planning meeting at the Union Arts Center, Sparkill, New York... 

an interlude...  the poet's pen finds expression...

The Black Stone Path

leaves brilliant and shadowed in the afternoon sun

cast they their grace in glory upon the black stone path

 warming light and gentle breeze of a late summer day

humming sounds of cars, buses, trucks, as they pass on their way

the STOP sign and so the called for pause, a moment's rest

time, season, plan, doing, doing, doing its best.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Photo: Such be that moment, Kim Engler, Union Arts Center, September 4, 2013.
 http://www.uacny.com

https://www.facebook.com/UnionArtsCenter