It was a night of poetry and art at Newtown High School on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 where Rotary Club members, administrators, teachers, families, student artists from ACE, Danbury High School, and Newtown High School gathered to celebrate the book launch of From My Heart.
This was the third printing of the collaborative book sponsored by the Danbury and Newtown Rotary Clubs and the second year in which ACE artists were featured. Submissions included poetry, artwork, photography, short stories, essays, and music. There were over 100 guests in attendance all with one goal, to celebrate student artists and to allow their talented voices to be heard. Students from ACE who were published included Amber Mattioli, Casey Cottrell, Elvis Sedeno, Joseph Tapia, Kiyu Prince, and Jalen Harris (who was not in attendance).
Students were invited to share their work with the audience while student artwork was on display in a slideshow behind them. Our own Joseph led the way and spoke about the inspiration behind his intriguing poem, Ice Cold Night. Casey followed and read her reflective and beautiful poem Blue, followed by Kiyu who went to the microphone to share about his inspiration and creative process behind his artwork entitled Angel’s Spirit.
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Kiyu Prince talks about his artwork titled “Angel’s Spirit”.
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Kaylee Cottrell reading her Poem “Blue”.
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Joseph Tapia reading his poem “Ice Cold Night”.
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In an exclusive interview and introspective perspective, Joseph Tapia (2-year Published Poet) gives his perspective on this event and what being published means to him. “The From My Heart books and the submissions in the book are works of art and poetry beautifully made and expressed. To me poetry has been an outlet for emotions and something more than just a hobby. This event and my publication mean a great deal to me. My publication in this book means to me that my poetry has touched the emotions of my reader and also means that my poetry is worth reading and it’s worth expressing my feelings, I feel poetry is more than just words; it is a deeper emotional outlet for feelings, thoughts, and it’s an art of expression. This From My Heart book means a great deal to me as a poet and as a teen. As a two-year attendee for the From My Heart event, it never fails to make me feel appreciated for my accomplishments and for my work and something I take pride in.”
Among the audience, ACE family members and friends as well as ACE teachers, Joanne (Poetry teacher and school liaison for the project), Daniela, Katja, and Anthony attended to support the students.
