WEBSTER - “Earthsongs” Book Release Party will be held on Saturday, April 23, 1-3 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day at Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main Street. Earthsongs, is a new book of poetry and art featuring a collaboration between friends Robert Eugene Perry & Ferol Smith.

Signed copies will be available for purchase that day. Call 508-949-6232 or email [email protected] to reserve your space.

Robert Eugene Perry remarked, “This collaboration with my artist friend Ferol was absolutely a labor of love. In discussing the sketches that would accompany the poems, she intuitively grasped the meaning of the words and translated them into sublime images. She needed very little direction from me.It was almost as if the synchronicity of the project was palpable to both of us. Her sketches added a new dimension to my own perception of my poems. This has been one of the most rewarding artistic experiences of my life.”

Robert Eugene Perry is a native of Massachusetts. His most recent book of poetry Surrendering to the Path, was published by Human Error Publishing (2020). Perry hosted a poetry group for disabled individuals at the former New England Dream Center in Worcester, and has emceed the monthly Open Mic at Booklovers’ Gourmet in Webster since May 2017.

Three of his poems were included in the 2021 Honoring Nature anthology by NatureCulture/ Human Error Publishing. Two poems were included in Poetica Magazine’s 2020 Mizmor Anthology regarding spirituality and nature. He had a short story published in July 2021 with Wordpeace Journal. He has had several poems published in Worcester Magazine. A metaphysical poet, he draws inspiration from nature endeavoring to reveal connections between our higher selves and the natural world. He is a devoted husband and father of two grown boys.

Ferol Smith commented, “When Bob first approached me about this project, I was intrigued. Normally, my art requires creatively rendering a visual scene. For this project, it would involve interpreting the written word. At first, it was a challenge to read a poem and conceptualize a complementary nature scene. However, once I started to really grasp the essence of his words, the process became much easier. His poems inspired me to reach within, and as a result I gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of his work.”

 Situated in the scenic central New England area, Ferol creates paintings that focus on local landscapes, as well as still life subjects incorporating native elements. Many of her works are done “en plein air,” recreating scenes while on location.

Ferol has completed several classes at the Worcester Art Museum and New England School of Fine Art. In 2015, she completed a plein air workshop in Tuscany, Italy. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Central New England area. She paints on location and from her studio located in the historic Manchaug Mills building in Sutton.

Meet local author Dawn Wilson and celebrate Indepedent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 30, 1-3 p.m. at Booklovers’ Gourmet. Who Am I? A Teen’s Creative Guide to Adulting is Dawn’s first book. She melds art, creativity, healing, and teaching into a journey of self discovery. Call 508-949-6232 for more information.

As a teen, rebelling against society’s norms Dawn struggled to be true to herself. Stepping into the unknown, she created a new path that brings purpose, energy, and connection to the world around her. Her deepest desire is for the readers to find their own unique voices in their creative journey towards becoming an adult.

Dawn resides in Grafton,  and teaches graphic arts at Bay Path Regional Technical High School in Charlton.

Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day event that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April and celebrates the contributions they make to their communities. There will be exclusive books and other items available throughout the day. You can’t get them before. You can’t get them online. This year’s IBD Ambassador is bestselling young adult author Angie Thomas. For more information visit www.indiebound.org/independent-bookstore-day