The Poetry PEI Events Page
We are pleased to share photos and comments from recent literary events on this page, together with announcements of forthcoming events.
West Royalty School, May 3, 2011
What a wonderful time I had. Great school, fine teachers, and lovely, bright children.
Poet Laureates Reading, Confederation Centre of the Arts, April 7, 2011
This was a wonderful evening of poetry. We all celebrated one another’s words.
Alberton Public Library, 21 September
On Tuesday, September 21, Poet Laureate Hugh MacDonald shared a reading with local writers in the Alberton Public Library. He was pleased to hear some wonderful poems, some of which are now available on the Poetrypei.com website. He hopes to see more in the future coming from all parts of the island. He would be thrilled to see more participation from schools all across our province.
WAG Writing Workshop, Cornwall, 11 September
The WAG Writing Workshop held at the home of Maud Anschutz in Cornwall PEI on September 11. From left to right: PEI Poet Laureate Hugh MacDonald, Mary Graham, Betty Campbell, Dorothy Griffin-Farish, Maud Anschutz, Tom Mahoney, Allan Graham.
Frank Ledwell Storytelling and Comedy Festival, St Peter's, 23-25 July
The Frank Ledwell Storytelling and Comedy Festival held in honour of Frank Ledwell, a native of St Peters, former Poet Laureate, and beloved writer/teacher and friend.
The event was held at St Peter’s Court House Theatre in St Peter’s, PEI.
Comedian Fraser MacCallum from the Island Stand-up Comedy Troupe, as well as Hugh MacDonald, the current P.E.I. poet laureate, Island-based poet and writer Deirdre Kessler with Terri Lukacko, an old-time music fiddler from Albany, N.Y., and Sue Dilley, a mandolin, accordion and ukulele performer/singer from Tasmania, Australia. All were part of day 3 in the festival.
Victoria Literary Festival, 16-18 July
Victoria’s first literary festival (July 16-18) was exciting and excellent in PEI’s lovely village of Victoria by the sea.
Poet Laureate's Summit, 14-16 July
The Poet Laureate’s Summit was held in Halifax July 14-16. The Summit featured 10 of Canada’s 16 Poets Laureate and combined the spoken word with some amazing jazz. It was an amazing experience.
The Day of Arts, Belle River, May 15
The Day of Arts was held in a former church in Belle River PEI on May 15th. Two Poet Laureates performed along with poet Judy Gaudet and others — musicians, poets, local writers. It was a lot of fun and excitement. The event was sponsored by Wendy Jones (Hugh MacDonald and Judy Gaudet photos).
Poetry Gala, Haviland Club, May 8
The May 8th Poetry Gala took place at The Haviland Club in Charlottetown, and was opened by a reading by PEI’s latest Poet Laureate, Hugh MacDonald, and featured three launches: The launch of the special issue of Canadian Notes & Queries devoted to John Smith, PEI’s first Poet Laureate, and a tuneful tribute to him by poets Deirdre Kessler and Brent MacLaine after which John read and performed to the delight of the audience. Island Poet Zack Wells spoke briefly on behalf of Canadian Notes & Queries. The launch of third PEI Poet Laureate, David Helwig’s book The Sway of Otherwise and his new book, Mystery Stories, followed by an elegant, thought-provoking reading from the former. Then the launch of and readings from Richard Lemm’s latest book of fine poetry, Burning House. All of this festivity provided an excellent build-up to a surprise tribute to poet Laurie Brinklow who is leaving for Tasmania to do doctoral studies after many years as a successful publisher, editor, and parent and a pivotal member of PEI literary, cultural and social life. Some of her innumeral contributions were feted by long time friends Dianne Morrow and present Poet Laureate, Hugh MacDonald. The exciting, emotion-filled gala, organized by Richard Lemm proved to be an unqualified success. (Sandra MacDonald photos.)
April 20 Culture Days launch
April 20 Culture Days Media Launch at the Mack (Confederation Centre of the Arts). Poet Laureate Hugh MacDonald makes presentation at the Culture Days Media Launch. (Dan Wall photo)
Opening night, Eptek Gallery, Summerside
All of the photos here were taken in Summerside PEI at the opening of an art show at the Eptek Gallery featuring the work of Maurice Bernard and his advanced students. The Poet Laureate was thrilled to be invited to Summerside to open this stunning show. (Sandra MacDonald photos)
Montague Library Writers Group
Poet Laureate Hugh MacDonald (standing) with the Montague Library Writers Group on March 17. “We had a great discussion among fellow writers. I really enjoyed my short visit with them. I look forward to invitations from similar groups across PEI over my three year term,” comments Hugh.
The Craft of Poetry, or Nothing But the Poem
This event, at the Confederation Centre Library on February 4, went quite well, small in turnout but large in enthusiasm, with lots of participation and wonderful discussions. You can browse Sandra MacDonald’s photos of the event in the gallery below; click on any thumbnail for a full-screen version.
