Creo-Arts

MARCH 2024
JOURNAL

24 Hour Poetry
Winners

Featured
Writers
Flash Fiction
Winner
Evan Stohlmeir
AJ Rhys
D. Palmer

Featured
Artists
Amalia Castoldi

Charles J. Armstrong
Dynasty Bond
Kya French
Tiffany Stanley Amalia Castoldi
IN THIS ISSUE
4 Our Commitment

6 24 Hr. Poetry Challenge

7 Feature Artist: Amalia Castoldi

9 Flash Fiction Winner: Evan Stohlmeir

13 Poet AJ Rhys

14 Photographer Charles J Armstrong

15 Photographer Kya French

16 Artist Dynasty Bond

17 Featured Photography

20 Artist Tiffany Stanley

21 “Self-Discovery” by D. Palmer

22 Yesteryear: AJ Rhys

23 Tybee

24 Coming April 2024

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25 Submission Guidelines
Creo-Arts
Ashley Gantz, PhD
Director of Creative Initiatives

a creative initiative of
Gantzter Designs
Erie, PA

3901 W. Ridge Rd. Ste. 3

Erie, PA 16506
www.creo-arts.com

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 LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN!

Dear Artists & Writers

I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to all of you as we embark on an exciting journey
with the launch of Creo-Arts Journal. It brings me immense joy to introduce this platform,
which has been crafted with passion and dedication, aimed at fostering creativity across
various artistic mediums.
Having spent the past year immersed in diverse creative pursuits, it is with great enthusiasm
that I announce the inception of Creo-Arts. This endeavor has been a labor of love, fueled by
a desire to provide a space where artistic expression knows no boundaries. Creo-Arts Journal
will be a vibrant hub for creators from all walks of life, celebrating not only traditional forms
of art but also showcasing the power of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction to stir our
imaginations.
One of the highlights of our venture will be the introduction of monthly competitions,
inviting artists and writers to showcase their talents and engage in friendly competition.
These competitions will not only recognize outstanding contributions but also serve as a
catalyst for continuous artistic growth.
In addition to our literary pursuits, we are excited to bring you virtual art exhibitions that will
transcend geographical limitations and connect creators and art enthusiasts alike. These
exhibitions will be a testament to our commitment to expanding the cultural landscape of
Erie, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

Ashley Gantz
Director of Creative Initiatives

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Our
Commitment
Creo-Arts is a committed to support creative
expression both literary and visual. Our selection
criteria, at it’s core, is centered on originality,
depth of artisitc expression, and the conversion
or art in the real world. Creo-Arts strives to be a
vibrant positive place for all artists.

Finger paint
Molding Hands

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 POETRY
CHALLENGE
After careful consideration of all poetry that was submitted, three poets
were selected for this month’s edition.

Add a little bit of body text

Photography
Charles J. Armstrong

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5
 Ma rch
ho u r
24 ry
Poet nge
al l e
Ch
Winner
Watercolors

The pain spread

Beauty
Like watercolors on the page

Finalist Poems
At the Cemetery
The gray still silence,
to the forever resting place,
no time for goodbye
Mercury
Today you ran off, chasing
mercury
Deaths breath, and last night
Loves depth, and the red
The twilight storm
When it’s just us
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 ARTIST
Amalia Castoldi
Amalia Castoldi is an Italian painter specialized
in oil on canvas, with a distinct focus on
surrealistic horror themes. As both a pianist and
painter, she doesn’t assign titles to her artworks,
preferring to classify them with opus numbers
like music pieces. This choice comes from her
belief that while her paintings may depict
figurative subjects, they transcend mere
representation, serving instead as expressions of
specific emotions conveyed through shapes and
colors. Her secondary production, combined in
Opus 6, combines painting with music, where
the painting is an exact visual representation of a
specific piano piece.
Born in Milan (Italy) in 1997, Amalia Castoldi
resides and works in her birth city. She has
participated in national and international
exhibitions, showcasing her distinctive style and
thematic approach.
With a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance
from Civica Scuola Claudio Abbado (2023;
Milan, Italy) Amalia is currently completing a
Master's degree at the Conservatory Giuseppe
Verdi of Como while pursuing further studies in
contemporary music at the Academy of Pinerolo
under the guidance of the pianist Emanuele
Arciuli. She regularly attends masterclasses with
esteemed international pianists like Dorian
Britton, Roberto Prosseda and Roberto Plano.
Her talents have been recognized with prizes in
various competitions, and she has been playing
as soloist in classical music festivals across Italy
including Piano City Milano, Piano City Trieste,
“Flying notes” organized by Fazioli, “Young
Talents” in Imperia, “Summer music festival” by
Suoni D’Autore. In 2022 Amalia recorded a
commercial for DHL and FIAT.
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AMALIA CASTOLDI

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 Flash Fiction Winner
EVAN
STOHLMEIR
Evan Stohlmeir, a native of Colorado, is a
passionate outdoor enthusiast with a deep love
for hiking and exploring the rugged landscapes
of his home state. Born and raised amidst the
majestic peaks and pristine wilderness of
Colorado, Evan developed a strong connection to
nature from a young age. With each expedition
into the mountains, he finds solace and
inspiration in the untamed beauty of the
wilderness.In addition to his adventurous spirit,
Evan is also a dedicated hobby writer, using his
experiences in nature as a source of inspiration
for his creative endeavors. Whether it's
capturing the awe-inspiring vistas of the Rocky
Mountains or delving into the intricacies of
human connection amidst the vastness of the
wilderness, Evan's writing reflects his profound
appreciation for the natural world. When he's
not traversing mountain trails or penning stories,
Evan can often be found immersing himself in
the vibrant arts and culture scene of Colorado,
seeking out new experiences and connections
that enrich his life and fuel his creative
endeavors. With a spirit as boundless as the
landscapes he explores, Evan Stohlmeir
continues to find joy and fulfillment in the
endless adventures that await him in the great
outdoors.

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 Lost Beneath the Canopy:
Inspired by True Events
By: Evan Stohlmeir

The forest stood tall and silent as Sam, Tyler, and Elisa ventured deeper into its heart. Their
backpacks were filled with provisions for their overnight hike, and their spirits were high
with anticipation of the adventure that lay ahead.

Shafts of golden sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled patterns on
the forest floor as the trio followed the winding trail. The air was thick with the scent of
earth and pine, and the only sounds were the rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of a
distant bird.

"This is incredible," Elisa breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Sam nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It's like we've stepped into another
world."

Tyler's gaze swept over the landscape, taking in the towering trees and lush undergrowth.
"I can't believe we're finally out here, away from all the noise and chaos of the city."

As they continued their journey, the hours seemed to slip away, lost in the timeless beauty
of the wilderness. They paused occasionally to rest and take in the scenery, snapping
photos and sharing stories as they went.

But as the sun dipped below the horizon and the shadows grew long, they realized that
they had lost track of time. Panic fluttered in their chests as they consulted the map,
searching desperately for their location.

"I thought we were closer to the campsite," Sam said, her voice tinged with worry.

Elisa furrowed her brow, squinting at the map in the fading light. "I don't recognize any of
these landmarks. Are we sure we're on the right trail?"

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Tyler shook his head, his heart sinking with dread. "I don't know. Everything looks the same
out here."

With a sinking feeling in their stomachs, they realized that they were lost. The forest, once a
source of wonder and excitement, now seemed vast and unfamiliar, stretching out before
them in every direction.

"We need to find a place to set up camp for the night," Sam said, her voice steady despite the
rising panic.

With trembling hands, they gathered firewood and pitched their tents in a small clearing,
their movements clumsy with exhaustion and fear. As darkness enveloped the forest, they
huddled together around a flickering campfire, seeking solace in each other's presence.

"I can't believe this is happening," Elisa murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tyler sighed, his shoulders slumped with defeat. "I'm sorry, guys. This is all my fault."

Sam shook her head, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "It's not your fault, Tyler. We're all in
this together, and we'll find our way out of here, no matter what it takes."

The forest enveloped them in its silent embrace as Sam, Tyler, and Elisa settled into their
makeshift campsite. The darkness pressed in around them, broken only by the feeble glow of
their campfire. Shadows danced and flickered against the trees, casting eerie shapes on the
forest floor.

As the night wore on, tension hung heavy in the air, each rustle of leaves and snap of a twig
sending shivers down their spines. They took turns keeping watch, their senses on high alert,
straining to catch any hint of danger lurking in the darkness.

Sam sat by the fire, her gaze fixed on the shifting shadows beyond the reach of the flames.
Every crackle and pop echoed through the forest like a sinister whisper, raising the hair on
the back of her neck. She could feel the weight of the night pressing down on her, a
suffocating blanket of darkness that threatened to swallow them whole.

Beside her, Tyler paced restlessly, his footsteps crunching softly against the forest floor.
"Do you hear that?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the crackling of the fire.

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Sam strained her ears, listening intently for any sign of what had caught Tyler's attention. In
the distance, she could hear the faint rustle of leaves, like the whispered breath of some
unseen presence moving through the darkness.

Elisa emerged from her tent, her eyes wide with fear. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice
trembling.

Tyler shook his head, his brow furrowed in confusion. "I don't know. But something doesn't
feel right."

They huddled closer together, their hearts pounding in their chests as they waited for
whatever unseen threat lurked in the shadows to reveal itself. Minutes stretched into hours
as they remained on edge, every creak and groan of the forest filling them with a sense of
dread.

But as the night wore on, the forest gradually fell silent once more, the only sound the
crackling of the dying embers of their campfire. Exhausted but unable to sleep, they kept
vigil through the long, restless hours, each moment dragging on like an eternity.

With the first light of dawn, they emerged from their tents, bleary-eyed and weary but
determined to press on. The forest was bathed in the soft glow of morning, the shadows
receding like ghosts into the mist as they packed up their camp and set out once more into
the wilderness.

Their progress was slow and painstaking, every step a struggle against exhaustion and
despair. Hours passed with no sign of the trail, frustration gnawing at their spirits as they
trudged through the undergrowth. But just when they were about to give up hope, a familiar
landmark came into view—a weathered signpost marking the entrance to the trail.

"We found it!" Elisa exclaimed, her voice ringing with relief.

Tears of joy filled Sam's eyes as they followed the trail back to civilization, their hearts light
with the knowledge that they had overcome adversity together. And as they emerged from
the forest, back into the warm embrace of the sun-drenched meadow, they knew that their
friendship had been tested and forged in the crucible of the wilderness—a bond that would
endure for a lifetime.

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 POET
AJ Rhys
AJ Rhys is a poet residing in the United States who
prefers to remain anonymous behind their pen
name. With a profound love for poetry, AJ's work
often incorporates elements of satire and wit,
offering a unique perspective on life, love, and the
human experience.

On Stage
We wander, seeking wisdom in the day and
night.
With each step, a story unfolds, We stumble
through mishaps, like actors on stage, Navigating
the absurdity of life's grandiose page.
Seeking solace in the unfamiliar, longing for
home. Yet home, we find, is not a place, but a
state of mind,
So let us embrace the chaos, the twists, and the
turns,

Irony forgotten me
Chasing illusions, ignoring life's flaws. We journey the sun dipped below the horizon, casting
within, Only to find ourselves lost in the undertow. shadows across the quiet bookstore
she closed the book with a sense of clarity
We uncover layers of truth and deceit, she had never known before.
in that moment, she realized that finding
For in the paradox of self-discovery', we find a shroud oneself was not about reaching a destination,
of irony. but embracing the journey, one page at a
time.
For in the journey of self, we may never arrive, But in and with newfound resolve, she set out to
the irony of seeking, we come alive. write her own story, guided by the wisdom
she had discovered within the pages of a
forgotten novel.

7 13
 PHOTOGRAPHER

Charles J. Armstrong

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11
 PHOTOGRAPHER
Kya French

A PULL QUOTE IS AN IMPACTFUL QUOTE

TAKEN FROM THE ARTICLE. YOU CAN
PLACE THE QUOTE YOU WANT TO
HIGHLIGHT HERE.

15
ARTIST
Dynasty Bond

16
 Featured
Photography
Camping in
Heaven

From day
to night
KYA FRENCH

TIFFANY STANLEY Old Forester

AJ RHYS

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 Fly

Meyers

Quiet Woods

18
 Sunset

Afternoon
Ride

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16
ARTIST
Tiffany Stanley

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 While often perceived as a solitary voyage, the journey of self-discovery holds immense
importance and utility in shaping our identities, fostering personal growth, and enriching
our lived experiences.
At the heart of the journey of self-discovery lies the pursuit of authenticity. In a world
where societal expectations and external influences often dictate our paths, embarking on a
journey of self-discovery allows individuals to peel back the layers of societal conditioning
and uncover the essence of their true selves. By delving deep into their thoughts, emotions,

D. Palmer
and beliefs, individuals gain invaluable insights into their values, passions, and aspirations,
forging a deeper connection with their innermost selves.
Moreover, journeys of self-discovery serve as catalysts for personal growth and
transformation. As individuals navigate the uncharted territories of their inner landscapes,
they confront their fears, insecurities, and limitations with courage and resilience. Through
introspection and self-reflection, they gain clarity of purpose and direction, empowering
themselves to break free from self-imposed constraints and embrace their full potential.
Each obstacle overcome, each lesson learned, becomes a stepping stone on the path to self-
actualization and fulfillment.
Furthermore, journeys of self-discovery foster a sense of empowerment and agency within
individuals. By taking ownership of their personal narratives and choices, individuals reclaim
control over their lives, charting their own course with intention and purpose. Whether
through travel, creative expression, or introspective practices, the act of self-discovery
empowers individuals to define their identities on their own terms, transcending societal
norms and expectations to live authentically and unapologetically.
Importantly, journeys of self-discovery cultivate empathy and compassion towards oneself
and others. As individuals come to understand their own struggles, desires, and
vulnerabilities, they develop a deeper sense of empathy towards the experiences of those
around them. This newfound empathy fosters meaningful connections and relationships,
grounded in mutual understanding, respect, and acceptance.
Moreover, journeys of self-discovery imbue life with richness, meaning, and purpose. As
individuals align their actions and choices with their core values and beliefs, they experience
a profound sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Each moment becomes an opportunity for
growth and exploration, as individuals embrace the beauty of impermanence and the
transformative power of self-discovery.
In conclusion, journeys of self-discovery are not merely solitary excursions into the depths
of the self; they are transformative odysseys that shape our identities, foster personal
growth, and enrich our lived experiences. By embarking on this profound journey,
individuals empower themselves to live authentically, pursue their passions, and cultivate
meaningful connections with themselves and others. In a world fraught with uncertainty and
complexity, the journey of self-discovery serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to
authenticity, fulfillment, and self-actualization.

“Self- Discovery” By D. Palmer

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“YESTERYEAR”
AJ RHYS
22 14
 TYBEE
TYBEE ISLAND IS A PICTURESQUE
BARRIER ISLAND SITUATED OFF THE
COAST OF GEORGIA, USA, KNOWN FOR
ITS SANDY BEACHES, HISTORIC
LIGHTHOUSE, AND LAID-BACK
ATMOSPHERE. IT'S LOCATED
APPROXIMATELY 18 MILES EAST OF
SAVANNAH.

1523
Coming April 2024
Creo-Arts will be launching something new!
Creo-Arts Literary Journal.

Submissions are currently open for the

April edition. Creo-Arts Vol. 2 which will
include poetry and visual arts. Creo-Arts
Literary Journal is excepting longer fiction
and non-fiction pieces.

The theme for submissions: The Color Red

and works inspired by “Now Sleeps the
Crimson Petal”

Visit: www.creo-arts.com for full submission

guidelines as well as publishing policies and
a detailed explaination of what we are (or
are not) looking to publish.
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 Submission Guidelines
🌹 Call for Submissions: "Crimson Petal" 🌹
In the spirit of Lord Tennyson's timeless masterpiece, "Now Sleeps the
Crimson Petal," we invite poets and artists of every persuasion to
immerse themselves in the rich hues of red and submit their work to our
curated collection.

Tennyson's eloquent verses evoke a sense of delicate beauty, capturing

the essence of a crimson petal at rest. We seek to extend this
exploration into the diverse realms of artistic expression—be it poetry,
visual art, photography, or any other medium that can breathe life into
the passionate spectrum of red.

Submission Guidelines:
🔴 Theme: Embrace the essence of red in your poetry, visual art,
photography, or any artistic medium.
🔴 Inspiration: Consider Tennyson's "Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal" as a
muse for your creations.
🔴 Format: Submit up to three photos (visual media) and up to three
Word or Google Documents for written pieces per artist.
🔴 Deadline: April 19, 2024 midnight EST and notifications will be sent
out by April 23rd.
🔴 Submission Email: submissions@creo-arts.com

Entry Fee: $20 (3 total pieces, poetry or visual arts).

Go to: Creo-Arts Store then select April 2024 Creo-Arts Journal

Submission

Digital pdf journal will be available for purchase ($4.99).

Certificates will be emailed out to finalists.

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submissions@creo-arts.com
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to Creo-Arts www.creo-arts.com

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guest blogger? Get in touch!
submissions@creo-arts.com
“creo”
LATIN: TO CREATE