Carmela Tal Baron is a New York-based poet, writer, and songwriter-vocalist whose backgroung is in visual arts and design. She is the published author of three volumes of poetry and the award-winning story Down the Monster Hole or Don't Be Afraid, I Am Only a Child, a book for children and the young at heart. Her poems appear in anthologies and other literary publications. She has four albums of poetry and music, as well as five videos of her visual art, vocals, poetry and lyrics. Her poems and songs have been featured in radio and television programs. Tal Baron's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and other public spaces. Her illustrations of her own books, as well as those of other authors, have received critical acclaim. Also a set designer for choreographers and dancers, she savors interdisciplinary collaborations. Her work with poets, writers, dancers, musicians and architects celebrates the arts as tools for peace. She is the founding director of Designs for Enlightenment - Turtle Island. Its products include books; CDs; digital prints and 3-D designs; visual art (paintings, drawings, collages, and photography); interior and environmental design, and art installations.