"Five Kentucky Poets Laureate: An Anthology"

The Kentucky Arts Council has published a new anthology of more than 40 poems and essays by a distinguished club of Kentucky contemporary literati; the commonwealth’s poets laureate. “Five Kentucky Poets Laureate: An Anthology,” includes the writings of Richard Taylor (Kentucky Poet Laureate 1999-2000), James Baker Hall (2001-2002), Joe Survant (2003-2004), Sena Jeter Naslund (2005-2006), and Jane Gentry (2007-2008). The anthology has been edited by Jane Gentry and Frederick Smock with a cover illustration by photographer Geoff Carr.

“We’re very grateful for the support we received from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Masterpieces grant to produce this book,” says Lori Meadows, executive director of the Kentucky Arts Council. “It gives us an opportunity to showcase the literary arts of Kentucky and to acquaint students with acclaimed Kentucky writers.”

The Kentucky Arts Council has enough paperback copies available to provide a class-set free to every high school in Kentucky. Also, an online study guide for “Five Kentucky Poets Laureate: An Anthology,” will be available to teachers. The study guide has been developed by Dr. Sue Churchill, writing resource teacher for Woodford County Schools. For more information about the study guides and how to request copies for high schools, contact Tamara Coffey at (888) 833-2787 ext. 479 or tamara.coffey@ky.gov.

The hardback edition will debut at the Kentucky Book Fair on November 15, 2008 at the Frankfort Convention Center, 405 Mero Street, Frankfort, Ky. Authors will be on site to sign books throughout the day. For more information about the Kentucky Book Fair, go to: www.kybookfair.com.

A limited number of hardback copies of “Five Kentucky Poets Laureate: An Anthology,” are available for sale at $19.95 each. They can be purchased at the Kentucky Book Fair or online at www.artscouncil.ky.gov/shop/merchandise.htm. Proceeds from the sale of the book will support future literary arts projects in Kentucky.

For more information about the Poets Laureate of Kentucky, go to: http://www.artscouncil.ky.gov/Poet/Poet.htm

The Kentucky Arts Council is a state agency in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet that creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For high resolution, print quality image of the book, “Five Kentucky Poets Laureate: An Anthology,” go to: www.artscouncil.ky.gov/shop/images/Anthology_book.jpg