Nominations for next Indiana poet laureate?

UPDATE: 9-20-10: I've been assured that the nominations for the next Indiana poet laureate are indeed being accepted. Fire away!


EARLIER POSTING ON 9-19-10:
The following message was seen on Faceook. The only problem is that I can't verify the information on the Indiana Arts Commission website, and I haven't been notified when the nomination process will open, as promised to me. I suspect the information comes from an undated calendar item to NUVO Newsweekly's website. In other words, it could be an old item. If anyone can clarify, please do so.

Arts Commission Accepting Nominations for Indiana's Poet Laureate


The Indiana Arts Commission is now accepting nominations for Indiana State Poet Laureate. The Indiana Poet Laureate will represent the State of Indiana and the art of poetry through the development and implementation of programming to the education community and general public. The Poet Laureate will make formal presentations at various educational facilities and events, and offers advice to the Commission regarding ways to further the art of poetry in Indiana.

Nominations for Indiana Poet Laureate should be limited to one, single-page cover letter and a resume or CV detailing the nominee's qualifications and accomplishments. No additional materials should be included with the initial nomination. Successful nominees must be current residents of Indiana and remain residents during their two-year term of service as State Poet Laureate. Nominees should be published poets, with experience in educational program development.

Nominations must be submitted to the Indiana Arts Commission by email only and must be received by 5:00 p.m. EST November 1, 2010. Nominations should be sent to the attention of Susan Britsch: sbritsch@iac.in.gov

Masterpiece in a Day 2010

Winners in the writing category are:

1.) JL Kato
2.) Michael Brockley
3.) W. Edward Harris.

Big Car has posted the winning entries here.

I spent the entire day in the Fountain Square area becoming reacquainted with the area and its merchants. New eating places included Square Rootz Deli (where I had lunch) and Pure Eatery in the Murphy Arts Center (which is on my list to visit). I also viewed the postcard exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of  Contemporary Art. My daughter Felicity and her husband, Evan, participated in the writing competition. My daughter Danielle entered the art competition. Other poets I saw were Mary Sexson, Lylanne Musselman, Thomas Orr, Jeffrey Pearson, and Jennifer Lemming (who didn't enter). I invited a co-worker, Carol Milam, to try out the competition. I also chatted with artists Chris Smock and T.J. Reynolds. Photos to come.

Pardon the silence

It's been awhile since my last posting. That's because this blogger is undergoing a computer  upgrade at home, which means I've had spotty Internet connections. As soon as all the bugs are fixed, we will get everything updated.

Here are a few things to ponder:

1.) The Humpback Poets in Muncie have suspended their weekly Saturday meetings for a while, at least through October. The group's members are busy with projects.

2.) I've been told that Shari Wagner will be the featured reader at The Strand, 215 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, on Sept. 27. The reading is sponsored by 3 Sisters Bookstore.

3.) A new open mic is in full swing at Calvin Fletcher's Coffee Company at 615 Virginia Ave., north of Fountain Square in Indianapolis.

4.) Look for an October date for some sort of recognition for this year's Best Books of Indiana winners and finalists.

Urban Expressions

Writer's Bloc, which usd to host a weekly spoken-word open mic at Urban Elements restaurant, has relocated. Urban Element, as some of you may know, has closed for business. But the weekly open mic, now called Urban Expressions, meets at Bearcats Restaurant in the historic Stutz Building, 1055 N. Senate Ave., Indianapolis. Every Thursday, 8 p.m.-11 p.m, $5 cover; $3 if you particpate in the open mic. (Thank you, Chi Sherman, for providing the update.)

UPDATE: Best Books of Indiana 2010

For those of you who are wondering, there will be an awards ceremony this year. But I don't know when. No one from the contest organizer, the Indiana Center for the Book, has responded to my e-mails. My source of information has asked to remain anonymous. So, for those of you who have entered the contest, and for those of you who simply want to know who will be honored this year, hold on tight.

UPDATE: I received a message Friday from the Indiana Center for the Book. The holdup, it seems, is tied to belt-tightening measures mandated by the state. Even though the Center for the Book is funded by private donations, state approval must be obtained before a dime is spent on an awards ceremony. Stay tuned.