Brunel Parks Summer Celebration of Diverse Voices in Conversation with the Land A Union of Voice, Spirit, Song, and Soul

August 1st  2021 

1pm to 4 pm  

         Clockwise from top left: Ellen Parker, Spirit of Thunderheart, 

        Karla Brundage, Jay Herman AKA Self-Written Poet

IN CELEBRATION OF BRUNEL PARK'S THIRD YEAR ANNIVERSARY, THE FRIENDS OF BRUNEL PARK PRESENT AN AFTERNOON OF PERFORMANCE, POETRY, SPOKEN WORD, AND MUSIC AT BRUNEL SCULPTURE GARDEN.

We are excited to welcome our community back to Brunel Park for an afternoon of performances including a live reading of Mary Austin’s classic novel, "The Land of Little Rain,” by acclaimed actress Ellen Parker, a presentation of work by our inaugural BIPOC Artist-in- Residence, Karla Brundage, and readings by poet Jay Herman. In addition, we are incredibly honored to welcome back Spirit of Thunderheart who will perform their songs, dancing, and drumming to re-awaken ancient rhythms resonating with power and joy! 

About the Artists: 

Ellen Parkeris an acclaimed film, theater, and television actress, known for her roles in the television series, "Guiding Light," for which she won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1993 for her portrayal of Maureen Reardon Bauer.  

Her fine narration of Mary Austin's classic collection of meditations on the arid reaches of California is by turns intimate and inspiring and was honored by an Audiophile Earphone Award. Signed numbered CDs will be available for purchase. 

Spirit of Thunderheart,a nationally recognized, multi-award winning Native American Women’s Drum Group based in the Hudson Valley, will perform between readings. "We believe our mission is to share the prayers of the drum with song and dance. We come together to educate about the importance of caring for each other with a good mind and strong cultural values. Through Story Telling we teach the understanding of our Oral and symbolic corrective history. Spirit of Thunderheart believes in teaching the importance of respecting, and caring for our Environment." 

Poet, educator, editor, and activist Karla Brundage is an Artist in Residence in the Cranesbill Cabin at Brunel Park. Karla will read her poetry and from her literary memoir, of which her year-long teaching residency in Zimbabwe is an important component; the book also reflects on her experiences as a Black female student at Vassar College in the 1990s.  

The mission of Jay Herman AKA Self-Written Poet is to build connection and community through the sharing of love and truth in their work. Self-Written Poet began performing spoken word and poetry in 2013, rewriting their own story and defining themselves on their terms. Their work centers around social justice issues, our interconnections, and life's journey.  

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Tickets for the event are $15.00 per adult, payable by cash, by check made out to “Friends of Brunel Park,” or in advance by credit card via our Eventbrite link here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunel-park-s-summer-celebration-of-words-spirit-song-and-soul-tickets-163209196099 

Brunel Park/Brunel Sculpture Garden is located at the intersection of DeSilva Road and NY-28 in the Hamlet of Boiceville, Town of Olive, NY just west of Fabulous Furniture, Bread Alone, and the Boiceville Inn.  Parking is available on the Bread Alone/Coldwell Banker service road next to Brunel Park.  

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or picnic blankets for the event. Food and well-behaved pets on leashes are allowed. Kids are welcome free of charge. Masks are required of all non-vaccinated visitors at all times in the Sculpture Garden.  

Friends of Brunel Park is the organization that maintains the Brunel Sculpture Garden. The funds raised at this event will specifically support the restoration and repair of Brunel’s culturally and historically invaluable sculptures.  

Press Contact: Nikitin@brunelpark.org or call 845-205-3839. Website: www.brunelpark.org