Poetry at the Española Library

      In Española, New Mexico there is a literary movement happening.  One part of this movement began three years ago. A group of artists, musicians, writers, academics and community activists gathered to bring back an old, time honored space known as resolana. La resolana is the southern facing wall of a structure where the warmth of the sun hits. The ancianos would gather to discuss the days events, politica, share oral history and many other topics.

       The idea of creating the group Resolana came from David Garcia. The inspiration came from the book "Resolana" by Miguel Montial, Tomás Atencio and E.A. Tony Mares.

     From the group came a chapbook titled Declamacíon. The chapbook is a collection of writings by local poets, some veterano poets such as Adán Baca, Beata Tsosie-Peña, David Martinez and others. New writers such as Angelo J. Sandoval.and others contributed to Declamacíon. The chapbook was published in the summer of 2009. A second edition chapbook was published in the winter of 2011. Currently the group is working on the third region of Declamacíon III, which will feature new poets such as Amanda Salinas and other poets and writers from the Norte.

       In the summer of 2011 Adán Baca in collaboration with the Española library began a monthly poetry raading dubbed Poetry at the Española Library. For the last year Poetry at the Library has featured many poets, to include Ara Cruz from Denver, Co., Ana Martinez from Santa Cruz de la Cañada, NM, Luis Peña, wife Beata Tsosie-Peña from Santa Clara Pueblo, NM, David Martinez from Chimayo, NM, Amanda Salinas, from Chimayo, NM, Angelo J.  Sandoval from Cordova, NM, brother and sister Adán and Pilar Trujillo from Chimayo, NM, Loretta Trujillo from Santa Fe, NM, Rudolfo Serna, author of the book "Tierra Psycho", and Joseph Cidillo from Dixon, NM, and Andrea Serrano from Albuquerque, NM.

      Poetry at the Library hosted the release of Declamacíon II on May 8th, 2012. The library and Poerty at the Library have created a space for young and old to share their truth through poetry, spoken word and many other forms of writings. Events for Poetry at the Library can be found on our Facebook page Poetry at the Library (Española Poetry Explosion), also visit www.Razafotografista.wordpress.com for photos and information.

      In Albuquerque, NM there is another poetry event called Speak, Poet: Voz, Palabra y Sonido hosted by Andrea Serrano. The event takes place at El Chante: Casa de Cultura. There is a strong connection between Albuquerque and Española's poets. Connections include common history, ideas, friendships, to name a few. El Razafotografista's blog works with both venues to promote the events and to capture the poets as the speak their truth and share their stories.

We'd like to thank Angelo J. Sandoval for being such a huge supporter of his library and libraries in general and for sharing what's going on at his branch with us. We at the Cypress Park Library are always looking for better ways to connect with our community and it looks to us as Española Public Library has a great thing going. We knew we had to spread the word and we look forward to the release of Declamacíon III. 

If any of you are interested in copies of Declamacíon, there are two ways to get one. Feel free to email Resolana at unaresolana@gmail.com.  or you can also reach Campana de Esperanza Fotography (El Razafotografista) at jolo132000@yahoo.com.