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Dr. Jean Minto Fellowship Award: Suffering/Solace - 2022

 

Dr. Jean Minto Fellowship Award

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
   ~J.R.R. Tolkien – The Fellowship of the Ring

New name. New format. Same great competitions.
In 2014, Drs. Jean Minto and Timothy Hui had an idea to bring the library and the arts together in the form of poetry and short stories. So was born the annual Poet Laureate and short story competitions. Dr. Minto passed away in fall 2020 and we are still grieving the immeasurable loss of our dear friend, professor and colleague. The Masland Library and School of Liberal Arts and Sciences could think of no better way to honor the life of Dr. Minto then by continuing the competition and to rename in her honor.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 4PM to 6PM in the BLC's Connie A. Eastburn Gallery

2021/2022 Contest

Dr. Jean Minto Fellowship Award 2021/2022

THEME: Suffering and Solace: From Where Does My Help Come?
This year’s theme recognizes the national and global pain we have all felt. The opening words of Psalm 121 resonate with our world today. Like David, we seek respite in a world battered by sickness, division, and violence. We long for help. David answers his initial question with a statement we’d do well to remember today: “My help comes from the Lord” (ESV, 121:2). God’s help, though, doesn’t mean God spares us from suffering. We don’t hope in our escape from suffering; we hope in God’s promise to bear our suffering with us. Instead of sharing how you’ve overcome suffering, how can you share how you live amid it?

GENRES: Original poem, creative non-fiction, or piece of two-dimensional art

DEADLINE: Extended to March 4, 2022 

  • Written entries: submit work to library@cairn.edu
  • Two-dimensional entries: submit work to the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

QUESTIONS: Email Professor Gleason at cgleason@cairn.edu

AWARDS: Winning students will be given a monetary award for their works in addition to a certificate, public display of their works, and university recognition.

STUDENT ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE: The work of the winning students will be displayed for one year. We ask that these students be present at the next year’s competition to pass on the honor to the new winners.

COMPETITION DATE/AWARDS PRESENTATION: Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 4-6PM in the BLC's Connie A. Eastburn Gallery

Submission Guidelines

Create an original poem or a work of creative non-fiction about this theme. Review the following guidelines for submission:

  • Creative Non-fiction: 800 – 1000 words (3.5 – 4-pages); Times New Roman or similar font; size 12; double-spaced
    • A panel of judges will read the selections prior to the awards ceremony. The winner will not be announced until the award’s presentation; however, you need to be prepared to read your work to the audience.
  • Poetry:
    • 10 – 30 lines; Times New Roman or similar font; size 12; double-spaced
    • Poetry selections will be judged on their composition and their presentation. Those who submit will read their poems on the day of the awards presentation. A panel of judges will review the works during a short intermission and select a winner. All poets need to be prepared to read their poems during the presentation.
  • Two-dimensional art:
    • Traditional or mixed medium (no digital entries); Size – 12x16
    • Include a 4 to 5-sentence artist statement about the work of art.
    • Please submit your work to the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences by February 21, 2022. A panel of judges will evaluate the artwork prior to the ceremony. The winner will not be announced until the award’s presentation; however, you need to be prepared to read your artist statement to the audience if your work is selected.

Writing Helps

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Co-presented by the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences & Masland Library.