Congratulations to Robert Anthony Gibbons (CLOSE TO THE TREE), who was just named a 2023 SU-CASA Awardee by the Brooklyn Arts Council.

Gibbons, along with 46 other artists, will bring a wide variety of arts disciplines and chances to engage in a larger cultural and artistic collective to senior citizens throughout Brooklyn.

Gibbons and his “The Learning to See” lessons will focus on creative writing:

“The Learning to See” [lessons] will include creative aging by taking the elder model with mindful meditation, erasure poems, sketch and sip, contextual information, key ideas, metacognition, and activities. The activities will include writing prompts will give the participants a chance not only to write for a certain amount of time, but it will also build consistency and discipline.” via Brooklyn Arts Council 2023 SU-CASA Awardee Bio, Robert Anthony Gibbons

Read more about the SU-CASA Creative Aging program HERE, and check out the list of all 47 artists (and their bios) HERE.

What an amazing achievement and incredible cause! Congratulations, Robert!

More about Robert Anthony Gibbons & CLOSE TO THE TREE:

Robert grew up in Belle Glade, Florida, the eldest of five children, and earned a B.S. in History from Florida A&M. In 2007, he moved to New York City in search of his muse, Langston Hughes. Gibbons has studied with such master poets as Cornelius Eady, Marilyn Nelson, Klmiko Hahn and Nathalie Handal, and has participated in workshops at Cave Canem and the 92Y. His work has been published in numerous anthologies, including The Brownstone Poets Anthology, Dinner with the Muse (Ra Rays Press), The Cartier Street Review, Nomad’s Choir, and Maintenant 6: A Journal of Contemporary Dada Art & Literature (Three Rooms Press). His poetry may also be heard on the CD Brain Ampin’ (Logo Chrysalis Productions).

CLOSE TO THE TREE is the first full-length collection of breathtaking, distinctive poetry, which surpasses his goal of commemorating the treasure of all who went before him. In this unique work, Gibbons paints so many different shades of color it becomes an art exhibit, according to author Leokadia Durmaj. Art curator and historian Marc Primus notes, “The poetry of Robert Gibbons flows from him like a mighty river. It is powerful lyrical, strong and hip.” And teacher/author Miriam Hipsh remarks, “Mr. Gibbons’ poetry is breathtaking in its imagery. His words paint a heart-wrenching canvas and haunt the reader with deeply emotional truth-telling.”