LITERARY ARTS COMMITTEE 2023 WRITING CONTEST WINNERS


On May 20th, 2023, the Literary Arts Committee of Clackamas Arts Alliance was proud to present the winners of their 2023 Writing Contest at Clackamas Community College's Compose Creative Writing Conference.

"Good afternoon. I am Bob Sterry, the Chairperson of the Literary Arts Committee of the Clackamas County Arts Alliance, and, in some way, I bear some responsibility for creating the Arts Alliance's first writing contest. It may have been my idea. 

But, the contest would not have been possible without several important sources of support:

  1. The generosity of our sponsors: White Rabbit Gifts and Books; Crooks & Company Financial Management; Citizens Bank; B&B Leasing; Pamplin Media and Oregon City News; Tom Hogan and Milwaukie Poetry Series; David and Cindy Smith-English for the Clackamas Repertory Theatre; Nancy Winklesky; Tamara Muldoon; Greg Williams; and Buel's Impressions
  2. The untiring professionalism demonstrated by Arts Alliance staff: Alex Stoehr, Amoreena Tibray, and, of course, Dianne Alves
  3. The enthusiasm of our judge panelists who did a great and timely job
  4. The never relenting support of the members of the Literary Arts Committee
  5. The support and cooperation of the English Department of Clackamas Community College
  6. And, of course, the enthusiasm of all the entrants. 

This contest had four genres and in each the judges selected a winner and a runner up when applicable. It is with great pleasure that we now ask them to step forward to receive their awards."


Essay 

Winner: Brittany West for her essay 'Clackamas County-Innocence, Trauma and Redemption'

Runner Up: Nancy Slavin for her essay 'Mothering in the time of fire and ice'

Short Story

Winner: Barbara Froman for her short story 'The River Flows'

Runner Up: Cathi McClain for her short story 'Send in the Clowns'

Playlet

Winner: Leslie Hayertz for her playlet 'After Lunch on Act'

Poem

Winner: Paul Lyons for his poem 'The Forgotten Garden'

Runner Up: Suzanne Pearce for her poem 'Our Old Farmhouse'