Columbus, Ohio – Twenty-two area poets will read their original work at the Columbus Arts Festival presented by Time Warner Cable, June 4, 5 and 6 in the Discovery District.
The poets will read their work at the Ohio Magazine Word is Art Stage, which provides an intimate “coffeehouse” atmosphere dedicated to poetry performance. Three poets chosen based on scores at a March audition will be this year’s featured poets: Gina Blaurock, Dianne Borsenik, and Joanna Schroeder, who placed first, second, and third place, respectively.
Back again this year is the annual Poetry Slam, to take place on Saturday evening of the event. The Poetry Slam, organized by Writer’s Block Poetry forum, is an interactive presentation: a roster of 10 poets will perform and be judged, all in good fun, by audience members. Also on the schedule for the weekend are student poets from TRANSIT ARTS and the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s Art in the House program and young docents from the Thurber House.
“The poetry scene in Columbus is a rich and diverse community,” said Leah Alters, Festival Director. “We’re thrilled to have these talented poets perform at the Columbus Arts Festival.”
The Columbus Arts Festival is consistently rated as one of the best in the country, featuring 230 fine artists and craftspeople as well as performance artists, poets, and musicians from across the country. In 2010 the Festival will celebrate its 49th year and third year in its new downtown location in the Discovery District – home to arts organizations such as the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus State Community College, the Columbus College of Art and Design, Thurber House, the Topiary Garden and Kelton House.
For more information on the Columbus Arts Festival, call (614) 224-2606 or visit www.ColumbusArtsFestival.org for the full schedule of readings at the Ohio Magazine Word is Art Stage.
The Columbus Arts Festival is presented by Time Warner Cable. Additional sponsors include: American Electric Power, State Auto Insurance Companies, The Motorists Insurance Group, Giant Eagle and The Westin. Media sponsors are WOSU and alive! Additional media support provided by CD101, Classic Hits 103.9/WMNI, WCBE, WBNS-10TV and Ohio Magazine.
About the Greater Columbus Arts Council:Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, we fund exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. GCAC thanks the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Ohio Arts Council for their continued support.
CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org
