Catt Foy, 1302 Scott Street, Davenport, IA, 52803, 563-323-0481, cattfoy@earthlink.net, http://www.cattfoy.com, http://poetrystreet.blogspot.com
PRESS RELEASE
March 9, 2008
Homeless and previously homeless individuals in Davenport are being offered a unique opportunity–to submit their creative writing and artwork for possible inclusion in a literary magazine called the Poetry Street Project.
The Poetry Street Project was created by Western Illinois University English graduate student Catt Foy, in response to a course she is taking on public writing. Foy, who herself has experienced homelessness, wanted to bring the idea of creative works and homelessness together. "I thought about writing about my own experiences at first, but then it occurred to me that it would be much better to offer an opportunity to others who are homeless, or who have been homeless, to showcase their talents," Foy said. "There are many people of talent who never get a chance to shine because of their circumstances," she reported. Foy believes that having one`s talents recognized is one potential source of hope for those experiencing the indignity of struggling with extreme poverty.
The Poetry Street Project magazine hopes to include poetry, essays, and short stories, as well as black and white artwork and photographs. Foy, who is also a writer and artist, has designed the cover, and hopes to take photographs of some of the participants.
Submissions will be taken until March 31, 2008 and the publication will be launched sometime in late April or early May. Submission forms can be found at the Davenport Public Library`s Main Branch, or at the Midwest Writing Center, located on the third floor of Bucktown Center for the Arts, or by contacting Foy. A panel of judges will select the submissions that will be included. "It will be impossible to print every submission we receive, since we have limited space," said Foy. "But if this issue proves to be successful, perhaps there will be future issues." Foy encourages everyone who has experienced homelessness to submit original creative work. Contributors can remain anonymous, if they prefer, or they can use a nickname, pen name or street name. Contributors will be entered into a drawing for a one-year membership to the Midwest Writing Center, where they can receive feedback on their work, work on computers located at the Center, and participate in other literary events.
"It is my hope that the artwork and writing in this magazine will help expose people of talent to possible venues for publication or to promote their art," said Foy. "Maybe that one poem, or that one drawing will open up opportunities that the creator might not otherwise have ever had."
For more information on the Poetry Street Project, please contact Catt Foy at cattfoy@earthlink.net, or by calling 563-323-0481. Regular blog postings will report the progress of the project at http://poetrystreet.blogspot.com. Donations to support the project are also welcome. Foy also welcomes interviews on the project.
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