Michael Adams Poetry Prize Reading and Reception

Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission and ARTS!Lafayette will host the 2015 Michael Adams Poetry Prize Reading and Reception.  The event will recognize participants and winners of the 2015 contest named in honor of the poet Michael Adams. The Michael Adams Poetry Prize aims to cultivate and inspire poetry while celebrating Lafayette’s commitment to community arts. Over $1200 will be given out in prize money.

Youth poetry will be presented at the reading from 5 – 6:00 pm.  1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded at elementary, middle, and high school levels.  The event is open to all participants and their families.

A reception for all ages will be held from 6 – 7: oo pm.  Refreshments will be provided.  The adult poetry reading will follow the reception from 7 – 8:30 pm.  Honorable mention and winners in the categories of “Social Justice” and “Natural Word” as well as the “Michael Adams Poetry Prize” will read their winning entries.

The contest was open to all Colorado adult poets as well as youth living in or attending school in Lafayette.  All levels are eligible for cash prizes; with the grand prize earning $500. The 2015 judge is Martin Balgach.

Michael Adams was a founding board member of ARTS!Lafayette and longtime member and chair of Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission as well as a talented poet.  Mike was a talented poet as well as a dedicated leader in the arts in Lafayette. He had a passion for poetry, the arts and community. He was an intelligent, thoughtful and guiding force for many. He had a huge heart and was a stellar volunteer. He lost his life to cancer in September 2013; this contest is named in his honor.