Chicago Calling: Poems and Paintings

As part of the fourth annual Chicago Calling Arts Festival (CCAF4), which features Chicago-based artists collaborating with artists living in other locations, Chicago poet Bob Rashkow has written poems in reaction to two of my paintings.


T. Renner, "Not Even #4," 2008, acrylic on cardboard, 12" x 12".

"Not Even #4," by Bob Rashkow

In the shade of this blue, blue tree,
I shall lie down and take my rest.
Leave this peaceful scene behind,
and find the color of my mind.
I gaze through mirrors green and mauve,
to reach the sun’s embracing land.

T. Renner, "Not Even #3," 2008, acrylic on cardboard, 12" x 12".

"Not Even #3," by Bob Rashkow

not even that
patch of dry spot on which to land
i am swimming in aqua-blue agency
bypassing filmy ice caves
trespassing turquoise reefs of sea lines
not even -- not quite -- not yet there
my tail provides
a trail of silver
thread of light to stand off the dark grey track
ahead

Don't forget, too, that I've donated these paintings to an auction to be held on Saturday, October 10, to benefit NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri.

Fabulous at 40!: NARAL's 40th Birthday!

What: Come help NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri celebrate our 40th birthday! Come and enjoy dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and a live auction with Ray Hartmann. Please RSVP at the contact phone number or email to purchase your ticket prior to the event at $100 per ticket, or at the door for $120. A portion of your ticket is tax-deductible Come out to help us celebrate!

Date: Saturday, October 10th

Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m., ends around 10:00 p.m.

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel 7750 Carondelet Clayton, MO 63105

Cost: Tickets are $100 prior to the event and $120 at the door.

Contact: (314) 531-8616 or jeff.farris @ monaral.org