Participation Type
Performance
Session Title
The Arts in AppalachA’ville: Growing and Sustaining Community and Voice from the Past into the Present
Session Abstract or Summary
In his description of Topophilia, Yi-Fu Tuan speaks of sensory stimuli as infinite, “that which we choose to attend (value or love) is an accident of individual temperament, purpose, and the cultural forces at work at a particular time.” This performance presentation will demonstrate how place, and topophilia of the Appalachian mountains near Asheville has driven artistic creation in poetry, song, and visual art. Four 15 minute presentations.
“Blue Ridge Poems.” Alana Dagenhart will read original poetry with focus on locales near Asheville, the influence of Thomas Wolfe, and how poems work to map the region and sustain culture.
“Mountain Music, Mills, and The Glue that Binds Community.” Joyce Compton Brown will read original poetry that grew out of her love of music and Appalachian history and will perform songs connected to her poetry and reflecting the landscape of the past.
“Agrarian Loss and the Emergence of the Factory Commute in the North Carolina Blue Ridge.” Les Brown will read this title poem and discuss its North Cove, NC origins and eventual breakup of his family farm; a common story of Appalachian outmigration to cotton mills.
“Black Mountain to the World.” Rogelio Calvo will talk about the influence of Black Mountain School Artists on his own work. He will share original drawings, paintings, and prints.
This collection of performances meets ASA initiatives to engage membership with regional needs, promote dialogue, teaching, education, creative expression, and to educate about innovative work being conducted in the region.
Presentation #1 Title
"Blue Ridge Poems"
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
15 minute poetry reading and discussion about poetry and place. A/V projector needed.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Alana Dagenhart is a poet, artist, scholar, and the author of Blood (Finishing Line Press, 2016). Her poems have appeared in various journals including Emrys, Main Street Rag, Pinesong, Kakalak, and Tar River. She is an associate professor at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C. alana.dagenhart@jwu.edu
Presentation #2 Title
“Mountain Music, Mills, and The Glue that Binds Community”
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
15 minute poetry reading with songs.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Joyce Compton Brown grew up in the small town of Troutman, N.C. A retired professor of English, she focuses on poetry, painting, and her lifelong interest in Appalachian music. She has researched women’s roles in mill life and has published in journals such as Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, Pikeville Review, and Kakalak. Her two chapbooks are Bequest (Finishing Line Press, 2015) and Singing With Jarred Edges (Main Street Rag, 2018). brownjoyce5@gmail.com
Presentation #3 Title
“Agrarian Loss and the Emergence of the Factory Commute in the North Carolina Blue Ridge”
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
15 minute poem and discussion.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Les Brown is a retired biologist who grew up in North Cove, N.C., is now focusing on photography, short stories, poetry, and art. His work has appeared in several journals including Iodine, Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, Kakalak, and Now and Then. lesmbrown.lb@gmail.com
Presentation #4 Title
“Black Mountain to the World”
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
15 minute slide show presentation of paintings, prints, and drawings. A/V projector needed.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Rogelio Calvo is a Panamanian American artist living in North Carolina. His recent work explores the relationship between his native islands and icons of pop culture. He is an instructor of visual arts at Mitchell Community College and the Executive Director of the Iredell Arts Council. rogeliocalvo@yahoo.com
"Blue Ridge Poems"
15 minute poetry reading and discussion about poetry and place. A/V projector needed.
