National Poetry Month: P.O.E.T Club Performs in Antonito

Reuben Chavira
The Paw Print

Passion. Over. Every. Thing. – Art is alive in Antonito, and the passion for it is a positive sign for the community. Where there’s creativity, there’s movement, and where there’s movement there’s growth.
Recently, several students at Antonito High School took part in a three-day art workshop hosted by the Adams State Art Department. Professor Jenny Gowronski, who facilitated the workshop, is no stranger to Antonito, having hosted similar workshops in years past. She describes it as a great way for the high school students to be exposed what Adams State University can offer, but also said it was fun just watching them express themselves.
As a capstone for the three-day workshop that the students participated in, Professor Gowronski organized and held an art exhibition at Gallery Nowhere, located there in Antonito. In a general sense, the art gallery was a great space for the works of the high school students. It was well lit with natural lighting and could be seen from Main Street, providing a subtle heightening of importance for the students involved.
The only art in the gallery was that of the students, as they were the featured artists for the exhibition. There was an air of positivity, and everyone who attended appeared to have enjoyed the energy of the event. The high school students were nervous and shy about describing their work, but it was apparent that they were radiating confidence and joy at being involved in such an inspiring afternoon.
At the request of Professor Gowronski, the P.O.E.T. Club was invited to perform for the students as well as other guests of the art exhibition. Eager to support the Antonito Students, as well as represent Adams State, nearly a dozen P.O.E.T. Club members attended, adding enthusiasm and positivity to the event. From poets, to singers and guitarists, a variety of artistic forms of expression were put on display, the epitome of passion.
In a world of ulterior motives, the P.O.E.T. Club sought only to show their support and excitement for the artwork of those Antonito students whose work was being housed in Gallery Nowhere. Not only was it amazing to for the city of Antonito to be hosting an art exhibit in one of its galleries, but the art of the students in itself was truly inspiring. Modeled after Andy Warhol’s “Marilyn Diptych,” the students instead applied their own originality to create their works of art.
The students were surprised at the presence of the P.O.E.T. Club, not having expected an Adams State organization to be in attendance, but were glad to have so many supporters asking about their work. At the exhibition, high school and college students came together as peers, as fellow artists sharing their appreciation of each other.
It was a beautiful day in Antonito. A great chapter to add to a beautiful city.