Poem Enchanted Shadow by Gerri E. McCulloh Talking Stick Institute

ENCHANTED SHADOW

A Poem for the Las Cruces New Mexico Arts Scene by Gerri E. McCulloh April 16 2008

When we speak about the Las Cruces Arts Scene it is apparent that there needs to be a clearly defined vision that all parties can work with to re-story the future.

We who live in Las Cruces acknowledge that the arts scene here is in the shadow of Taos, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. Since we all acknowledge that we live in the shadows, I propose we empower the shadow. Let's use the shadow to re-story the arts scene in Las Cruces.

Embrace the land of shadows--work with it--it is already part of the psyche here in Las Cruces--we only need to use it and give it place.

Shadow can be an organizing power.

I remind you…

The Land of Shadows is part of the Land of Enchantment-- Consider…

Shadow is a place of rest from the sun

Shadow is a place of creativity and movement

Shadow expresses expended effort in cool ways--it also has dimension that the object casting it cannot have. Shadow expresses that dimensionality and merges all aspects of the environment in new ways--It is inclusive

Shadow has a unique conversation with the light

Shadow can be refreshing and restorative

Shadow is full of mystery--and gives birth to different views

From shadow new perspective is possible--it is a place of possibility

Shadow pre-sages and pre-echoes-- foreshadowing

Shadow gives coherency to form and shows us the kind of light that gives shape to the actors and their work--Shadow is as ancient as Plato's cave--Older--Shadow dances

Shadow is a powerful willing participant

Shadow will help us re-story our arts scene for it is present in each conversation about the Las Cruces Art Scene--It only seeks a voice

Shadow is a child of the land of enchantment

"La Sombra Encantada"

May the Las Cruces Arts Scene emerge from the Land of Enchanted Shadows

Talking Stick Institute

Las Cruces New Mexico

David M. Boje, Ph.D.

575-532-1693

4700 Dunn Dr.

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