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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