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Gathering Our Community
Ccae Special Events
Blacksmith House Poetry Series
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One of the longest running poetry reading series in the country returned, with much enthusiasm, to in-person readings in the later part of FY 22. This iconic series, which has welcomed world-famous poets—from Elizabeth Bishop to Allen Ginsberg to Robert Lowell to Robert Pinsky— is considered one of the premiere platforms for both recognized and emerging poets to be heard. We are so grateful that CCAE has been able to host these extraordinary poetry readings for the last 50 years. We are especially delighted to be back in person for these readings as we get ready to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of BHPS in 2023.
The 14 BHPS evenings in this past season brought in many well-known poets as well as emerging poets—introduced on New Voices night. To see past recordings and for more information, visit ccae.org/blacksmithpoetry.
Conversations on the Edge
Ever since March of 2020, Conversations on the Edge, a program initiated by members of CCAE’s Board of Directors, has looked a little different. Originally mounted in our Spiegel Auditorium, with occasional showcases in other venues across Cambridge, Conversations tackled pressing local, national, and global issues through dynamic discussions between Cambridge intellectuals. During the pandemic, CCAE continued to hold Conversations virtually and offered free attendance to the public.
A program highlight, this fiscal year, saw Ann St. Goar, CCAE supporter and friend, moderating a panel discussion on how psychedelic drugs can help us navigate mental illness and addiction. Convincing recent studies demonstrated how certain psychedelic substances can help relieve anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and fear of death for the terminally ill. Together we learned that new findings have profound implications for a field that, in recent decades, has seen few pharmacological advancements for the treatment of mental disorders.
Next fiscal year, Conversations on the Edge will be investigating the latest innovation in climate mediation: “The Emerald Tutu,” alongside partners at The Cambridge Club, Cambridge Community Foundation, and The Cambridge Public Library.
