November 22, 2006
For Immediate Release
For an interview:
Laurelyn Whitt
(801) 863-6266
Utah Arts Council 801-236-7555
For additional information:
www.arts.utah.gov
UVSC Faculty Member Awarded Poetry Prize
UVSC’s Laurelyn Whitt, professor of philosophy and integrated studies, recently placed second in the Utah Arts Council poetry writing competition in the Collection of Poems category. The award included a $1,000 check. The Utah Arts Council announced the results of the 48th Annual Original Writing Competition where out of 169 entries, 21 awards were presented to 19 writers in seven categories.
Kelle Groom, the judge for the Poetry Competition described Whitt's winning poetry manuscript, “Crossing Over,” as “an exploration of the mysterious territory of the soul. These lyrical, compassionate poems are in love with the world. The author speaks with grace and tenderness for what has been lost. Everything in these poems, from birds, to the sea, to rocks and mountains that shook themselves free of the earth, to those who have died, are alive in spirit. The speaker is a survivor who examines the loneliness of extinction and the need to pay attention. In their wonder and respect for the dead and the living, these graceful, spiritual poems feel like messages from another world.”
“The money was insignificant in comparison to the commentary made by the judges,” said Whitt. “It is very useful and encouraging for a writer to receive expert feedback on a new manuscript.”
The Utah Arts Council is a division of the Utah Department of Community and Culture. The Arts Council is the primary agency in Utah through which state and national funds combine to stimulate and encourage the arts in the state.
Whitt has also recently released a book, published by Logan House Press, titled “Interstices.” The book won the 2005 Holland Poetry prize, a national competition.
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Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Rodney Hansen
(801) 863-7205
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