Barton Rees Pogue Arts Festival

The Second Annual Barton Rees Pogue Poetry and Arts Festival will take place in Upland April 14, 2012. There will be a poetry writing contest where poets will present their original poetry for a panel of judges. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each of four age groups; elementary, junior high, high school and adult. In addition, a grand prize of $100 will be awarded to the poem judged best of the twelve finalists. To receive an application to take part in the poetry competition please call 998-7747. Deadline is April 8.

There will be a variety of other events that day, including an art exhibit. If you are an artist and would like to show, demonstrate or sell your work please call 998-7747 for more information. Visitors will vote on the art work that best represents the spirit of Pogue’s poetry and on the best work using a local building or landscape as a subject. Deadline to register for this Art Exhibit is April 1.

Festival Director, LaRea Slater expressed, “I would like to encourage all potential participants in the poetry reading and writing categories of the festival. The preliminary interpretive readings of Pogue, favorite poets as well as original poetry have been very rewarding. People who didn’t realize they were poets, who never thought they could read aloud in front of “strangers” have overcome the fear and embraced the informal, comfortable atmosphere and have become friends with the other presenters.” Various styles of poetry will be accepted including free verse and lyric. Judging will be on originality, imagery, rhythm, communication of the theme and emotional appeal.

Music, interpretive dance and ballet will also be part of the day’s programs, as well as non-competitive “just for fun” poetry reading, all of which will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. in various locations around Upland.

For all the details, including schedules and locations, can be found at . . .

Barton Rees Pogue Poetry and Arts Festival