TRR photo by Charlie Buterbaugh Robert Lander returns his sculpture, “Meditation,” to its standard position. When reclined, the piece resembles a child rolling in a field and expresses Lander’s sentiment, “nothing is what it seems.” He will organize poetry performance evenings for Wayne County writers beginning in the fall of 2003. (Click for larger image)

Sculptor forms poetry group

By CHARLIE BUTERBAUGH

BETHANY, PA — Writers in Wayne County will have a new audience this fall, thanks to a Bethany sculptor.

Robert Lander believes that open mic poetry nights will cultivate inter-generational communication in a society that presents few opportunities for youth and senior citizens to communicate. He said 16 poets have already expressed interest.

Lander has designed the sessions to give listeners time to ask presenters questions about meaning, style or other points of interest—to stir dialogue between people with different assumptions, values and beliefs.

“I want to increase communication between youth and adults because each audience can learn a lot from the other. I have been in touch with the principals of two schools, and they have supported the idea,” he said.

Under the aegis of the Wayne County Arts Alliance, the poetry nights will begin at the end of the summer when students resume studies. He is still working to cement locations for the events and has verbal support from many local theaters and inns.

“I want poets to have an opportunity to speak the poetry they have written,” he said.

“But these will not merely be nights of entertainment. People will be asked to participate in the conversation as the group gets to know each poet.”

Lander, vice president of the Wayne County Arts Alliance (WCAA) board, is a poet and a self-taught sculptor, who works with wood, including oak, ash and cherry, stone, clay, metal, plaster and epoxy. Some of his metal pieces incorporate movement, and most sculptures will assume more than one form, a characteristic Lander uses to express the mystery of art.

Lander will open his Bethany studio to visitors during WCAA’s first Artists’ Open Studio Tour from August 22 to 24. For more information call 570/251-3695.