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Performing Arts of Maitland Announces the Creation of Maitland Poets & Writers

Performing Arts of Maitland is excited to announce the creation of Maitland Poets & Writers and has selected Vanessa Blakeslee to serve as Executive Director. On two Sundays a month, Maitland Poets & Writers will feature an array of local literary talent who will be invited to perform a public reading from their works in Lake Lily Park. Following the readings, a writing workshop will be held in the Maitland Garden Club cottage, a charming and historic lakeside locale.



The purpose of Maitland Poets and Writers is to foster the growth of literary arts in Maitland and its surrounding communities, and not only shine a spotlight on established literary artists but provide opportunities for the public to come and experience the joy of creative writing.



Maitland Poets & Writers’ Open Mic events held at the park are free and open to the public. On selected Sundays, come and enjoy the showcase of amazing local literary talent who will read from their works. Musicians from Performing Arts of Maitland will also perform at the Open Mic. Our featured readers will move you to laughter, tears, and awe at the incredible talent that exists right here in Central Florida’s backyard. And after the readings, meet and mingle with the poets and writers, buy their books, chat about the craft of writing and other literary events happening in Orlando.



Inspired by Maitland Poets & Writers’ Featured Readers? Interested in exploring creative writing for yourself with Maitland Poets & Writers? Come and explore your creative side in a supportive environment where you will be encouraged to experiment and tap into your true voice. Maitland Poets & Writers workshops are held on the Sundays following the open mic sessions. Creative writers from all genres and levels of experience are invited to participate, from beginner to experienced, published writers. Pre-registration is required. Each workshop runs from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in the Maitland Garden Club cottage. Cost: $35.00



Maitland Poets & Writers’ events, open mics and workshops will be directed by Vanessa Blakeslee, Maitland resident, published poet and fiction writer. Vanessa Blakeslee has studied and taught writing at both Rollins College and the University of Central Florida. She received the MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, named by the Atlantic as one of the top 5 programs of its kind in the country. Her short stories and poems have appeared or are forthcoming in well-known literary publications like the Cimarron Review, The Madison Review, The New York Quarterly, Illuminations, Georgetown Review, and other places. Her poetry chapbook, “The Woman-Beast,” was named a finalist in the 2008 YellowJacket Press Chapbook Award for Florida Poets. Her short story collection, “Bistro Girls” was recently named a finalist in the 2008 Sol Books Prose Series Contest. She was also a recipient of a 2009 United Arts of Central Florida Professional Development Grant.



Vanessa Blakeslee also directs and leads Orlando Writers’ Workshops throughout the Orlando/Winter Park area. Visit www.orlandowriters.com for details.



For more about Vanessa Blakeslee, please visit: www.vanessablakeslee.com



Maitland Poets & Writers Workshop proceeds solely benefit Maitland Poets & Writers and enable Performing Arts of Maitland to continue to bring literary opportunities to the community.



For details on events, registration and more, contact:


Vanessa Blakeslee, Executive Director


Maitland Poets & Writers


407-310-2464


Or email: vblakeslee@gmail.com

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