The volunteer-driven Design Committee of Easton Main Street Initiative (EMSI) is always looking for ways to add to the natural beauty of Downtown Easton through art. In 2016, they launched a series of wall and door poems, penned by local writers and installed on three locations throughout the Downtown by volunteers.This continued in 2018 with three more installations by local artists.
The series will continue in 2019 and a call for local poets is now underway. The committee is looking for short, original poems by local writers of all ages. Authors of three chosen poems will receive a $100 stipend, in addition to having their work displayed on a wall or door in Downtown Easton. Poems must be submitted by October 10, 2019 to be considered.
Local property owners have agreed to offer their doors/walls for poems that match these guidelines:
- Maximum length = 32 words, or eight lines
- No minimum length
- Poems submitted must be original work and legible
- Free verse or formal poems welcome
- No more than two poems by any one author
- Poems need not be in English only
- Provide clear contact information for the author, preferably email
- Poems can be submitted via email to katie@eastonpartnership.org or via mail to
GEDP
Attn: Katie Farnan
325 Northampton St.
Easton, PA 18042
Locations for the 2019 contest can be viewed at eastonmainstreet.org/doorpoems.
“These are fun, unexpected pieces of art that showcase the written word and beautify alleyways in a unique way,” said Easton Main Street Manager Kim Kmetz. “The response from both residents and visitors to the existing poems has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Guidelines for the contest can be viewed at eastonmainstreet.org/doorpoems.
ABOUT: Easton Main Street Initiative (EMSI) is a subsidiary of Greater Easton Development Partnership, a registered 501c3. EMSI’s mission is to promote, encourage and enhance the economic strength and vitality of Easton's central business district through volunteer and community driven efforts. GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on Easton’s economic well-being, historical integrity, programmatic development, vibrant culture and hospitality. For more information, contact Executive Director Jared Mast at 610-250-2078 or jared@eastonpartnership.org. Visit us online at EastonPartnership.org.
