Poetry & Experiences from Iraq

David Smith-Ferri – an activist poet whose newly released book, Battlefield without Borders portrays his encounters with Iraqi people and events – reads poems and recounts his experiences Thursday February 28, 7:30 p.m. at the Artisans Café, 109 Capitol Way N (between 4th and State), Olympia.

The poet focuses on children who are forbidden life and who survive with precarious futures. The Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation sponsors this exploration of the tragedy of war as seen through the eyes of a poet and peace-maker.

“I hope to portray the resilience, courage, and decency of the Iraqi people I’ve met,” Smith-Ferri says. “Everyday, Iraqi people – in Iraq and in exile – resist the degrading effects of violence and occupation, doing everything they can to care for themselves, their families, and their neighbors, and to provide a future for their children.”

All proceeds from the sale of his book (all but $2.00 of the sales price) will go directly to Iraqi victims of this war through a new program called the Direct Aid Initiative.

Three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Kathy Kelly says in the Foreword of Smith-Ferri’s book: “Mesmerized by the images David paints so tenderly and skillfully, we follow him onto the battlefield. We enter arenas populated by children, parents, teenagers – people similar to ourselves. What can the poet do to bring about a cease-fire, a truce, a broad and deepening belief in mercy? This poet brings the children to our very doors.”

Poet W.H. Auden said, “In the deserts of the heart, let the healing fountains start.”

Admission is free. Please join us.

Hi Everyone,
This upcoming show will be the last Olympia performance of the annual Sex Workers' Art Show. The SWAS began here in Olympia 11 years ago, and has since developed into an acclaimed nationally-touring show, seen by over 10,000 people each year at colleges, theatres, and galleries across the country. We've been lucky to be able forge connections with all kinds of people, and have become a small blip on the national radar of dialogue about feminism, workers' rights, capitalism, and sexuality. It could never have happened without the support, generosity and compassion of the Olympia community. Below is some information about the show, you can also visit www.sexworkersartshow.com. Thanks and love to everyone who has come to the shows over the years, and I hope you can all make it out for our last hurrah!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 18th 8pm
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets $12 at the door or online

The authors of the counter-recruiting manual Army of None, Chnan Suarez-Diaz and David Solnit, will be in Olympia to lead an interesting and practical workshop for students. They will discuss counter-recruiting methods and issues surrounding ending the wars the Middle East. As veterans, David and Chanan will share the military story young people don’t hear from recruiters. As organizers, they will discuss tactics of effective resistance from around the country. This is part of a national tour called The Army of None Project, which is bringing skills workshops, live performances, and resources to 40 communities across the US.