'Year of the River' poetry contest open to Putnam poets

Arts Spaces Inc. and Arts Illiana recently announced the 2013 Max Ehrmann Poetry Competition.

Entries must be mailed or delivered by Feb. 22. Competition is open to individuals of all ages, living, working or attending school in six Indiana counties, Putnam, Parke, Clay, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo.

The 2013 Max Ehrmann Poetry Contest is a part of 2013 Year of the River, a community-wide initiative centered in Terre Haute, featuring arts, environmental, educational and recreational events focused on the Wabash River, and its impact on area lives.

Poems will be accepted on the theme of the Wabash River, its watershed, other rivers or water as it impacts area lives. Participants may also write poetry about other works of art that are river-related, such as paintings, novels, music or other poems. Up to two poems per contestant will be accepted.

The contest will be judged by an Indiana poet. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Purpose of the competition is to encourage the writing of new poetry as a contemporary art form deeply rooted in tradition, to foster an interdisciplinary connection between art forms, and to honor Max Ehrmann, a regional poet whose works were inspired by a love for his own community, its natural surroundings and the people in it.

A life-size bronze sculpture of this nationally renowned writer, by West Terre Haute artist Bill Wolfe, was installed in 2010 in Terre Haute as part of the Art Spaces collection. It is located at the corner of 7th Street and Wabash Avenue on the Arts Corridor at the Crossroads of America.

For an entry form go to www.wabashvalleyartspaces.com or www.artsilliana.org or write to info@wabashvalleyartspaces.com or call Art Spaces (812-235-2801) or Arts Illiana (812-235-5007).

Completed entry forms and poems should be delivered or mailed to: Art Spaces Inc., 669 Ohio St., Terre Haute, IN 47807.