PHILIPSBURG:--- The book party for Tangle by Rochelle Ward has a star-studded set of artists belonging to the author’s generation, said Jacqueline Sample of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
The book launch for Tangle is a free admission happening at Dutch Quarter Community Center, on Friday, December 10, at 8 PM.
The evening’s highlight is the recital by Ward from her debut poetry book. The excitement continues with the dance performance by Jonathan van Arneman of Atlantis Rebirth.
Then there’s the exhibition of photo art by Cameron Hyman, an essential part of welcoming guests into the community center, which will be transformed by décor artist Lucinda Larich Audain of Funtopia, said Ward.
Bestselling author Tamara Groeneveldt will make an appearance too, not as a poet but as the MC for the program—which features as guest speaker Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, an educator and the nation’s leading linguist, said Sample.
“Working with these gentlemen and ladies represents my opportunity to collaborate as an artist and to create something new,” said Ward, who also writes under the name Faizah Tabasamu.
Tangle books will be available for guests and Rochelle Ward will be on hand for autographs following the culture-rich program. Refreshments will be served.
The 132-page collection includes seven sections: Spitfire, Birthstrings, Hills, Kings, Heirloom, Faces, and IG Snapshots. Ward’s poetry encompasses womanhood, St. Martin childhood and neighborhood memories, Caribbean nostalgia and culture, and the urgency to preserve and engage in nature, said Sample.
Tangle is available for early birds at Arnia’s bookstore, from the poet in person, and from everywhere at Amazon and SPDbooks https://bit.ly/3HwS4jW, said Sample.
News that Tangle was on its way earned Ward the opening guest writer’s place at New York’s Pace University literary fest last October. The author holds an MSc in Management Studies from The University of the West Indies.
Ward is also an English and Literature teacher at St. Maarten Academy. She has recited her poetry at demonstrations, slams, concerts, and literary festivals in Anguilla, Dominica, St. Martin, Nevis, Montserrat, and the USA.
