Tom Pruiksma brings magic to VAA Family Series

Islander Tom Pruiksma may be considered a true 21st Century renaissance man. A magician since childhood, poet and philosophy major, Pruiksma (pronounced Prooksma) moved to Vashon via Hogsback Farm and worked in exchange for a peaceful refuge to write and learn about farming. Pruiksma launches the VAA Family Series with Magic and poetry, Sunday, November 18, 1:30 pm.

"Magic was my first fascination," he says. Pruiksma received a magic kit, and his family quickly became his rapt, supportive audience. By 4th grade he worked as a professional kid magician.

He lived and taught English in India two years, an experience that reawakened his love for poetry. Learning the Southern Indian language of Tamil, he learned to listen to and appreciate sounds of 900-year-old poetry. "I heard the rhythm, the music and brought that learning back to English poetry."

Pruiksma found a way to combine his love of magic with spoken word when storyteller Merna Hecht invited him to participate in an elementary school residency. "Magic can transform our perceptions. Illusion and symbolism are more of an art form that can also be fun and whimsical."

Pruiksma’s piece, created specifically for the VAA Family Series, centers on themes of gratitude and human connections. In The Thanksgiving Tale of Poetry and Magic audience members can expect food magic, participation, poetry and more.

He adds, "It’s an adventure creating something; it often ends in something more wonderful than you ever imagined."

VAA Family Series is co-sponsored by lead sponsor Vashon Island Rotary Foundation with additional support from Goforth Gill Architects. Discount tickets available for all five Family Series Events. For complete schedule and more information call VAA, 463.5131 or go to Vashonalliedarts.org.

Individual tickets, $5/$8, available now at Heron’s Nest, Vashon Bookshop, VashonAlliedArts.org and at the door.