James Wright Poetry Festival

What are you doing on April 15-16, 2005?

Nothing special you say. Well, why not join us at the James Wright Poetry Festival in my hometown, Martins Ferry, Ohio?

Who was James Wright, besides being the 1972 Pulitizer Prize winner for poetry? Excellent question. Here is what the Eastern Ohio Arts Council has to say about him:

"James Wright, a native of Martins Ferry, is widely recognized as one of America's finest 20th century poets. He has left behind a body of work admired by fellow poets as well as critics. The Encyclopedia Britannica entry nicely captures his work, saying that he "wrote about sorrow, salvation, and self-revelation." His images arise from the natural and industrial landscape of the Ohio Valley: the football stadium in Martins Ferry, the blast furnaces of Benwood, Wheeling Steel, Hazel Atlas Glass, the suckholes of the Ohio River. His complex outlook was marked by despair and hope; in his dark vision a spirit of affirmation persists."

For those wishing to know the man that wrote the poetry, click here to download a wonderful essay by Richard P. Gabriel about Wright. It is a simply marvelous piece!

Click here to get more information about the festival. It's a wonderful event, a chance to meet two wonderful poets, Gerald Stern and Linda Gregg, as well as Wright's delightful and engaging widow, Annie Wright. Poetry writing workshops will be offered at the festival.