July, 2026 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature #3: Branwen Drew
Navy Veteran, retired librarian, poet, and artist Branwen Rhiannon Drew draws inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding her home near the Mohawk River and the foothills of the Adirondacks. A lifelong creative, she has spent more than 70 years exploring art in its many forms, using poetry, drawing, and painting as ways to express her experiences and connect with others.
Her selected poetry reflects themes of nature, personal transformation, and her journey as a transgender woman. Through her work, Branwen embraces creativity as both a source of strength and a way to share the stories that shape her life.
Name:
Branwen Drew
Branch of service:
Navy
About:
Branwen Rhiannon Drew is an artist and poet living in Rome which wasn’t built in a day. Her writing and art are inspired by her location on the edge of the Mohawk River and the foothills of the Adirondacks. She is a Navy Veteran and retired librarian.
Website:
https://branwendrew.substack.com/p/links?s=w
Title of Piece:
Selected poetry
Medium of Piece:
Poetry
Meaning Behind Piece:
The reader will derive their own meaning. These are inspired by nature and my journey as a trans woman.
Piece:
What inspires you to create art?:
Life in general inspires my art. I love being out in nature and can find inspiration in many different places. Much of my poetry is based on my journey of coming out as a transgender woman. I have been doing drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, over 70 years.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
My poetry helped me survive COVID. It provided me with an outlet for stress and getting through tough times and rough days. It has given me confidence to express myself and share my journey.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
Art must be challenging to be worth the time and effort of doing it. I feel powerful when I am challenged and succeed in producing art. The pieces I have written and created are all successful in some way. All of them challenged me and continue to do so.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
This is an interesting question. It just seems to happen. I have no set ritual. I do sit down at times with a blank page in front of me. I may start with a haiku or just a title.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
CAVARTS is a safe space to share my art with other creatives who share the Veteran experience. We all have a different experience but care about our country.
Our monthly theme is Veterans & Their Art, but Branwen submitted this when we were celebrating Change. Here’s what she had planned:
Change happens every day to me. Each day is a celebration for me. I will go to outdoor concerts and other occasions.
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
All of us here are creative and have much to share. Be proud and share your art with us. You will inspire others to share and this will grow our community.
