Why did I write an Ode to Karl Shapiro? Here is the answer in my Daughter Anne Marie’s own words reflecting on her elementary school days:

“Karl Shapiro’s poem, ‘Manhole Covers’ was printed in my Fifth Grade English Textbook.  I remember seeing it and thinking: Wow, someone else looks at sewers too, not just my Mom.  It must be modern art.  I showed the poem to my mother and a few years later she composed  an ‘Ode to Karl Shapiro’ based on her manhole cover adventures.                     ~Anne Marie Schauman  2013

Oxymoron: The Fringe, 1998 volume II printed Karl Shapiro’s poem “Manhole Covers next to photos of my manhole art.   You can read his poem here:  Manhole Covers – Karl Shapiro

“Ode to Karl Shapiro” in larger font: http://bobbimastrangelo.com/Poetry/poetry-ode.php

 Friends appreciating art and artists appreciating their friends’ support.

Many artists like myself work alone and often my art is shipped to exhibits which I can not attend. Recently my friend Sandy Wicker sent me a photo of herself standing next to my miniature “Reuse” sculpture at The Mills Pond House in St. James, NY.

She was standing there with her captivating smile holding the Members’ Showcase Invitation below the sculpture.  If I could not be there, the next best thing was to have a good friend attend. Her show of support made me feel “Great!”

Sandy Wicker viewing the “Reuse” sculpture in 2012

Flipping through my files and guest books, I discovered several more photos of my loyal friend attending my exhibits. Below is a photo of Sandy Wicker In front of my “Con Edison Maintenance” installation at The Baltimore Public Works Museum in 1996. The paper sculpture on the wall is called “Earthquake.”

Sandy Wicker at The Baltimore Public Works Museum in 1996

In the photo below Sandy is visiting my one woman exhibition at Toast Coffee House in Port Jefferson in 2003. While I am giving a plug for support of Artists I wish to commend Terry Scarlatos, the chef and owner of Toast Coffee House for not only serving  gourmet dishes but for also featuring  unique artwork by local artists.

Sandy Wicker with Mastrangelo’s “NYC Grate” at Toast Coffee House in Port Jefferson, NY.

 Check out Toast when in Port Jefferson, NY. Below is a quote from their website:

“Toast Coffeehouse is an innovative breakfast and lunch eatery with an artistic vibe. We have been reviewed by The New York Times along with recently being voted the 2008 best breakfast on Long Island by AOL City’s Best.”

Friendship, art appreciation and the support of family and friends are what keeps an artist going. To all of you I say:  THANK YOU with “GRATEFUL  APPRECIATION!”