Wisconsin People & Ideas 2017 Fiction and Poetry Contest Reading
On Friday, 8 November 2017, I was privileged to participate in the Wisconsin People & Ideas Magazine’s 2017 Fiction and Poetry Contest Reading. Having won 2nd Place in the statewide call for poetry, I found myself in the company of Wisconsin’s premier writers, as gathered together by the state’s most important organization—the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences Arts and Letters.
As much as I want you to see the video of the reading at A Room of One’s Own Bookstore, first and foremost you should understand the immense importance of WASAL, and the impact it has on the quality of life in Wisconsin. Click around the WASAL website, and you’ll see why I hold this organization in such high esteem:
“…learning is for everyone, at every age, and that participation in the sciences, arts, and letters is essential for living a good life…”
“…shows art from around the state and investigates ideas at the intersection of the sciences, arts, and letters…”
“…These public talks are a trusted resource for people who believe that learning doesn’t stop after college or with expertise in a single discipline or area…”
With their official Vision of science as central to the health of the people, land and waters; a state brimming with the arts and a lively creative culture; and bringing everyone together through civil discussion and exploration of the best ideas of today… and with their Guiding Values of critical thinking, curiosity, excellence, community engagement, aesthetic quality and open-minded inclusivity… WASAL provides the highest ideal for its members and, in turn, positively affects everyone they encounter.
So it was indeed a great honor to be granted the opportunity to contribute to this dynamic in my small way. It was also thrilling to experience such a nice evening surrounded by and engaged with literary folk. The range of readings in style and subject was vast, and the participants represented diverse regions of our state. The experience solidified my commitment to my craft, and provided the inspiration for many more poems and projects. I also officially became an Academy member, hoping to give back in support what had been granted to me in opportunity.
Do you have such an organization in your state? What are the inspirations, and who are the inspirers, that drive you? What opportunities are provided in your region to discover such inspirations, and to pursue such aspirations? And if they are inaccessible, will you be one of the founders of such a catalyzing organization?
Here, now, is the link to the recording of our evening’s event.
"Fur"-ther Pertinents:
*WASAL website
-X.B.
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