Open Books Celebrates the Art of the Written Word

Art is routinely celebrated in Safety Harbor, from exhibits to festivals to the construction of new showcase facilities.

But rarely is the written word given the same reverential treatment as that of paint on canvas or chalk lines on a street.

Sunday at Whimzey House, the colorful home of local artists Kiaralinda and Todd Ramquist, the art of the written received its proper due at the free Open Books event.

Guests packed the grounds to hear the likes of poetry slam founder Marc Smith, local poet Imani Woomera and others laud the world of words and books, with the highlight of the day the dedication of a “give one, take one” book exchange box.”

“This is all about sharing an appreciation of tangible books with people by giving books away,” Mitzi Gordon, owner of Blue Bird Books and the person responsible for bringing the book exchange box to Whimzey, said.

“We’re here to celebrate the book box…with the idea of building a sense of community based around reading.”

In addition to the dedication there were numerous other events and activities taking place on the Third Street North property, where patrons sat in recliners on the street and chairs in the garden listening to readings by poets both obscure and renowned.

Smith, considered the founder of the modern poetry slam movement, was an inspired emcee, coaxing people onto the stage and engaging the audience with his trademark passion that has made him an icon in the world of words.

Smith admitted that words often don’t get the respect they deserve, as they aren’t as visible an art form as painting and sculpting. But that doesn't mean they are any less important.

“As a writer you know it can be a very lonely art form,” he said during a break. “Events like this are how we can get writers to know about each other and get people to respect the art of words.”

“This is all about using art as a form of communication,” he added. “It’s the same philosophy, just a different art form.”

Kiaralinda, who admittedly normally sticks to art and music when it comes to hosting events at Whimzey, said she couldn't have been more pleased with the Open Books event.

"We don't hang out with that many writers, so that was a new and exciting thing for us," she said.

"We were super impressed with all the diverse talent that came out to support this ocassion."

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