2005 Arts Festival: Poetry Under Glass (With a Side of Music)

October 1, 2005 – Hollywood, CA: An afternoon of poetry readings by handpicked poets stimulated, inspired and invigorated the audience in the Glass Pavilion at Celebrity Centre International as part of the fifth annual Artists For A Better World International Arts Festival. World-class jazz pianist, Tamir Hendelman performed eloquently as the featured musical artist at the “Poetry Under Glass (With a Side of Music)” event.

AFABW Int fine artist and poet, Leslie Silton, hosted the event and said: “Poetry is the most amazing stuff. A poet and a poem ‘in the groove’ are one of the most wonderful and exquisite experiences another person can partake of in life.”

AFABW Int Poet, fine artist, vocalist, arts educator and social betterment advocate, Carmelita Pittman, was amongst the featured poets. Among the poems she presented were Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s, “How Do I Love Thee?” and Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind.” She expressed that “We, as Artists For A Better World, hold a responsibility to help in the creation of a better world and to inspire others to help in whatever ways they may.”

The following poets participated in the readings: Alice Pero, Theresa Antonia, Shirley Windward, Russell Salamon, Don Campbell, Carmelita Pittman, Debbie Shapiro, Ross Cantalupo and Peter Ludwin.

A portion of the proceeds from poetry book sales and the reading benefited The Way to Happiness Foundation.

This year, Artists For A Better World International released a poetry compilation book entitled Bamboo Souls, which features 47 poems from poets in 9 countries.

By uplifting the culture through aesthetics, by raising the awareness of artists and others about the power the artist has in forwarding social betterment and by working with and supporting community service activities, Artists For A Better World International and its members are making and inspiring positive changes in society.