Writers, Artists Offer Words and Art of Hope

from Capitola Soquel Times: December 2020

Attention All Employers: New COVID Rules

COMMUNITY NEWS Writers, Artists Offer Words and Art of Hope

Aptos author Kate Aver Avraham announces a new anthology in response to these challenging times: “Second Wind: Words and Art of Hope and Resilience.”

She is editor along with Melody Culver of Santa Cruz.

“It was born as we envisioned a way we might help those so impacted by the pandemic,” said Second Avraham, who called writers

Wind she knew to participate and got a “phenomenal”

Words & Art of response.

Hope & Resilience T h e

EDITORS, KATE AVER AVRAHAM & MELODY CULVER anthology has 80 contributors —

writers and artists of all ages and backgrounds — mostly from Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties or the Bay Area, but also from other places around the country.

They share what gives them hope, what renews their spirits, and where they have found strength.

These varied voices in prose, poetry and many forms of art speak of how we get through 2020, make the most of our changed lives, and move toward a meaningful future.

Readers will find inspiration, humor and solace.

Graham said she used Instagram to connect with local artists to fill her shop.

She lives close by on 33rd Avenue and noticed the “for lease” sign, a rare occurrence for this stretch of 41st Avenue. The property owner, she said, loved her idea, so she forged ahead, repainting the place herself.

The space is bright, and there’s enough room to highlight

Editors Kate Aver Avraham and Melody Culver

“Heartache in the Land” explores pandemic experiences and reactions. Sections look at loved ones and family; the political scene; musings of spirit, dreams and visions; creative expression; humor and play; and finally, reflections on the support and healing we receive from the abundant beauty of the natural world.

In the words of one contributor: “This anthology answers your questions about what to do in any difficult time ... you gather friends, skills and possibilities, and create something that can tilt the balance of concerns for good.”

The book costs $15 and is available at Bookshop Santa Cruz and Amazon.com.

Avraham also has hosted open-air events where the book is available and more may be held in the future. n •••

All of the sales profits will be donated to the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County Covid-19 Relief Fund.

“Rootstock” from page 12 •••

For her artistic enterprise, Instagram Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and has been “a total game-changer,” she said. Sunday. Website: RootstockCollective.com. To be “I didn’t realize how important it was — featured in the shop, email rootstockcollective@ it’s the perfect platform.” gmail.com

Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through each artist. Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

“With COVID, it’s nice to have A colorful painting by Amadeo Bachar at Rootstock Artisan Colthat extra space,” Graham said. n lective depicts ocean life.