by James King
Poet Tricia Bogle, whose poem "Bronx, 1995" appeared in Issue 20.2 of Chautauqua, has collaborated with artist Shu Tu for an exhibition at the New York Public Library. The exhibit, titled "In a Garden of Small Dreams," expands and complicates the ekphrastic mode of poetry by placing poem and artwork in an organic, reciprocal relationship. Bogle and Tu's work explores "shared themes of growth and loss, intergenerational relationships, and the lessons the natural world can teach about finding human connection." (NYPL Community Showcases.)
"In a Garden of Small Dreams" will be on display at the Hamilton Grange Library through September 15th, 2023, and will feature a Conversation with the Artists on September 9th, 2023 at 3 PM. Details can be found on the New York Public Library Website here: https://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/community-showcases/garden-small-dreams-art-poetry-conversation.
I am deeply grateful to Chautauqua Editor Jill Gerard for the care and attention she gave this poem when it first appeared in Chautauqua. Her generosity and thoughtful edits made it shine. Having the poem then become an inspiration for Shu Tu's artwork and be selected for a NYPL exhibit is the icing on the cake!