Albert Abonado, ARTSwego’s Artist-in-Residence this semester, invites the community on a thought-provoking journey to explore the significance of one’s name on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Oswego Public Library.

In "Roll Call: The Story of Our Names," Abonado will discuss his work, delving into the profound meaning behind bearing a name. This event encourages attendees to reflect on the weight of their names and how personal identity serves as a unique form of artistic expression. 

Tentative outline for the day is as follows:

  • Noon to 1 p.m.: Artist presentation
  • 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Presentation on the history of name changing/deadnaming within the trans community, featuring SUNY Oswego Professor Erik Wade
  • 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Poetry reading by SUNY Oswego students
  • 3:30 to 4 p.m.: Reading by SUNY Oswego Artist-in-Residence Albert Abonado

“When you close your eyes, what is the color of your blood?” With questions like these, Abonado leads his audiences on an exploration of life’s history, urging them to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before.

His work highlights the power humans now possess, shaped by the past. He emphasizes the beauty and depth of all identities, often taken for granted. According to Abonado, a name is more than just a word — it is a gateway into one’s life, a profound reflection of identity, and a testament to the essence of being.

Abonado is a poet and essayist. He is the author of the poetry collection "JAW" (Sundress Publications 2020) and "Field Guide for Accidents" (Beacon Press 2024), selected by Mahogany Browne for the National Poetry Series.

He has received fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. His writing has appeared in the Bennington Review, Colorado Review, Poetry Northwest, Zone 3, and others. Living in Rochester and teaching in addition to being Oswego's Fall 2024 Artist-in-Residence, Abonado is the editor-in-chief of the Bare Hill Review.

For more information or accommodations to attend this event, email artswego@oswego.edu.

-- Written by Keila Aquino-Lobato of the Class of 2025