PAMELA BOOKER /

Art and nature are my spacious sanctuaries of renewal and desire.

I'm an interdisciplinary writing artist, educator, and eco-activist, whose work spans literary fiction, poetry, performance, scholarly essays, and media. My storytelling explores themes of sustainable living and restorative green practices that uplift the planet. In 2019, I 

Art and nature are my spacious sanctuaries of renewal and desire.

I'm an interdisciplinary writing artist, educator, and eco-activist, whose work spans literary fiction, poetry, performance, scholarly essays, and media. My storytelling explores themes of sustainable living and restorative green practices that uplift the planet. In 2019, I founded the not-for-profit organization Where's Your Tree? —an advocate and partner for urban green initiatives and funding opportunities that affirm a sustainable future for the planet and Black and brown lives. At the heart of my life-creative work is how we replenish, nourish, and liberate ourselves. Learn more here!

I was delighted to be awarded the 2024 NJ State Council on the Arts Prose Fellow Grant (in partnership with Mid-Atlantic Arts) for my novel-in-stories manuscript, Dill's Mirrors and the Lizzies. Recognition from peers is always an affirming and energizing gift—and so is a funding for your arts practice. Yay! Anticipate an excerpted release of the story Lil' Lizzie: Go Let Yourself Learn How to Live in a forthcoming anthology publication. Drawing on speculative magic realism, this story chronicles the journey of the first of five generations of daughters, all named Lizzie, who receive a unique inheritance following visitations from supernatural ancestral forces.

 Additional funding received this year includes Newark Arts, the Creative Catalyst Fund, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation in support of my green initiatives and sponsorships.

My affair with poetry as a writer and reader was revitalized in incredible spaces, including the Barnes Museum's 90th birthday celebration for Sonia Sanchez. Other readings include the Rainbow Book Fair Poetry Marathon at the LGBTQ Center and Wicked Queer Authors: Afterlife Edition at Dixon Place in New York and I was a featured writer in the legendary Segue Reading Series at Artists Space.

If you're looking for life-centering strategies after an exhausting presidential election year—with more troubling actions from this administration to follow—read my essay, My Offering for Wrangling Renewal, Triumph, and Setbacks, which appears in the fall issue of About Place Journal. Other notable publications include the critically acclaimed anthology Blacktino Queer Performance (Duke University Press), African Voices Magazine, and Akashic Books' Sci-Fri Series. My performance piece-in-progress, Testimonies by the Page, was showcased at Art House in Jersey City as part of the Caregiver Stories On-Stage Project.

In the year ahead, may your testimonials serve as a bridge—however they manifest, inspired by a relentless pursuit of justice and pathways to renewal. 

Follow me on Instagram @pamelabooker19 

Many thanks to Newark Arts Start for supporting our amazing 2023 community workshops:    

Squash & Shekere: Making Music in the Garden! These fun and educational workshops on shekere-making techniques were hosted by 

 Where's Your Tree? and facilitated by the renowned percussionist Ahmondylla Best.

Since 2001, the ArtStart Grant Program has 

Many thanks to Newark Arts Start for supporting our amazing 2023 community workshops:    

Squash & Shekere: Making Music in the Garden! These fun and educational workshops on shekere-making techniques were hosted by 

 Where's Your Tree? and facilitated by the renowned percussionist Ahmondylla Best.

Since 2001, the ArtStart Grant Program has been a catalyst for cultural activity in the local Newark arts community.