Dave Donelson during installation of the display at Cranberry Lake Preserve Nature Center
Award-winning poet and artist Dave Donelson read and discussed his graphic poem, “Sestina of the Quarrymen,” Saturday, April 27, 1 p.m. at Cranberry Lake Preserve in North White Plains, which inspired the poem and art.
The 50 sq. ft. mural is made from eight enlarged pages of Donelson’s poem, from his book, Visions of a Certain Age, and will be on display in the nature center at Cranberry Lake Preserve. The piece is a 39-line poem laid over collages based on the artist’s photos and paintings of scenes in the preserve. The work was honored by an ArtsAlive! grant from ArtsWestchester in 2023.
Participants were able to purchase his book at the event. All proceeds from the sales will be donated to Westchester Parks Foundation and will be used to re-build the Cranberry Lake South Pond Boardwalk.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Westchester County Parks boast over 18,000 acres of stunning parkland, and nestled within this natural bounty lies Cranberry Lake Preserve, a true hidden gem. Donelson’s artwork and unique take on the Preserve is a testament to the park’s charm.”
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner, Kathy O’Connor said, “Cranberry Lake Preserve is rich in history and traces of it can be found throughout the preserve. It is exciting to see a new perspective of the Preserve.”
About the author: Dave Donelson is a resident of West Harrison and writes and creates images as he explores the world around him. He is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. Donelson has strong roots in Westchester and the Greater New York area as previous roles of his include president of the Westchester (NY) Library System, the Harrison (NY) Public Library and its foundations, and the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association.
