By Jillian Hammell
Assistant Features Editor
“Sometimes we go on a search and we do not know what we are looking for, until we come again to our beginning,” well-known poet, artist and thinker Robert Lax once said.
Lax began his good journey in Olean in 1915. With his ties with the town and his literary accomplishments, Bonaventure has decided to dedicate a week to the man who inspired many.
From March 4-8, the first annual Robert Lax week will take place featuring a slew of activities and events that will be held in honor of the late Olean native.
Wolfgang Natter, dean of the school of arts and sciences, helped orchestrate the weeklong event.
“There are quite a number of interesting events that will be going on,” said Natter. “Bonaventure invited both a speaker and composer to enlighten the community on Lax’s teachings.”
Speaker and Lax scholar Steve Georgiou is qualified to share the life of Lax, according to Natter.
“Georgiou is a renowned speaker. We are very happy to have him,” Natter said. “He will be speaking at the Walsh Science Center Auditorium from March 4-5.”
Composer Gwyneth Walker will also acknowledge Lax and his works at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts March 8.
“Walker has a special composition in store for us,” Natter said. “She will perform a staged presentation of the selected poems from Lax’s, ‘Circus of the Sun.’ Her original composition, ‘The Circus of Creation,’ should be a treat.”
According to Natter, these events are not solely held on Bonaventure’s campus.
“It is a citywide event. Robert Lax week should be acknowledged by others not only on Bona’s ground, but throughout the community,” Dr. Natter said.
Georgiou will even make an off-campus appearance, according to Natter.
“On March 6, Georgiou will speak at the Olean Public Library,” Natter said. “It is a way to educate the Olean community about their native’s accomplishments.”
Rick Simpson, an English professor, and Paul Spaeth, director of the library, have also been a part of the brainstorming behind Robert Lax week. They both believe Lax is a highly respected individual and serves as a fascinating figure to study. In fact, Lax was dear friends with Catholic writer and Bonaventure professor Thomas Merton.
“The importance of Lax involves his connection with Merton,” Simpson said. “Merton had an extraordinary respect for Lax. Their friendship was both theologically and philosophically based.”
Simpson had the chance to welcome Lax into his classroom in 1990.
“He was the first professor to be a part of the Lenna Visiting Professor program,” Simpson said. “Lax was at Bonaventure for three weeks. During that time, he interacted with students and shared his poetic strategy and composition.”
Simpson also reminisced on Lax’s splendid company.
“He was a wonderful human being,” Simpson said. “On the outside, you saw a tall, slender man, but you could also see the friendliness as well as his intelligence inside him.”
Spaeth reflected on the plentiful amount of Lax’s archives that can be found in the Friedsam Memorial Library. The library house Lax’s published writings and works based off of his writings. Poems, pamphlets, books, graphic art, film, video photography and performance art can be found in the archives.
“I have had hundreds of people that have contacted me about his works,” Spaeth said. “Whether they have projects, essays or are just interested in Lax, Bonaventure is the best source for information about the profound poet.”
Spaeth also mentioned Lax’s ability to stand out.
“Lax was both a literary and spiritual figure who deserves recognition,” Spaeth said.
According to Natter, Lax is a true inspiration.
“He is a model for all students interested in art, literature and culture,” Natter said. “Lax lived life as a good journey — an intellectual journey. This is the type of path that is taught to Bonaventure students. He was and will continue to be a mentor to young people, especially our Bonnies.”
