by Nancy Sep£lveda
Daily Lobo
A group of writers joined forces Friday to help one of their
own.
A poetry and prose reading was held at the SUB to raise funds for New Mexico poet Paula Gunn Allen, whose home was destroyed by a fire on Oct. 15, 2006.
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The event was part of a two-day benefit.
The suggested donation for attending
was $10, and authors sold their books at the event. All proceeds went to the Paula Gunn Allen
Fund.
About 120 people attended the event, which included readings of Gunn Allen's poetry and readings from Jimmy Santiago Baca, Evelina Lucero, Allison Coke, Judith Van Gieson, Sara Ortiz, E.A. "Tony" Mares, Maritza Perez and Levi Romero.
Gunn Allen, who suffered severe smoke inhalation from the fire, lives in California and could not attend the event.
Event organizer Patricia Smith, chairwoman of the Paula Gunn Allen Fund committee, said she was pleased with the event's turnout.
Smith was not sure how much money the event raised.
Mares said Gunn Allen's work will continue to be an inspiration, despite her personal struggles.
"Paula, with her writing, has produced the bricks of an edifice of poetry that cannot be burned down," he said.
Gunn Allen, who grew up in New Mexico's Laguna Pueblo, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her book Pocahontas: Medicine Woman, Spy,
Entrepreneur, Diplomat.
Romero, a UNM creative writing instructor, invited several of his students to perform during the event.
The students are members of the Albuquerque Slam Team.
Student Anna Martinez said the team's performance was her favorite part of the evening.
"Their words were very powerful and moving," she said.
Martinez said she enjoyed the diversity of the readings.
"The variety of artists was just wonderful," she said.
Martinez said she became familiar with Gunn Allen's work through a class about indigenous feminism.
"Her poems are like prayers," she said. "I really connected to her."
Van Gieson, a mystery writer, said Gunn Allen is a good friend to have.
"Despite her troubles, she took the time and effort to send me a handmade gift (for Christmas)," Van Gieson said. "That's just the kind of person she is."
Smith said it is important for artists to assist each other during difficult circumstances.
"Most artists don't make a lot of money and can empathize with not having much," she said.
The community of writers in New Mexico is small but supportive of its members,
Smith said.
"We tend to all know each other," she said. "We all gossip, laugh together and share in each other's heartaches."
