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.
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
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
Create an original poem or a work of creative non-fiction about this theme. Review the following guidelines for submission:
Co-presented by the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences & Masland Library.