Ohio Poetry Association Blog

The OPA team is excited to report that for a fifth consecutive year, OPA has been awarded a grant from The Columbus Foundation (TCF) through its Community Arts Fund. This year’s award totals $1,826, which exceeds expectations by the OPA officers. "Once again The Columbus Foundations has acknowledged the value of OPA to poets and artists throughout Ohio," said OPA President Chuck Salmons. "The Community Arts Fund has provided OPA with sustaining funds to help cover administrative costs so that our members’ annual dues and other revenue sources can be directed into workshops, readings, and other great opportunities." The OPA first established a profile with TCF in 2010. The profile, part of the TCF PowerPhilanthropy program, is an effort to improve OPA’s ability to secure funding via charitable giving. Since that time, the OPA officers have steadfastly sought other avenues of fundraising. Those interested in donating to OPA may do so via the TCF PowerPhilanthrop...

by Chuck Salmons, President, Ohio Poetry Association It’s been a few days since I returned from beautiful Minneapolis and the 2016 NFSPS Convention. First, Crescent moon and geese above lake at Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center many congratulations to the officers and members of the League of Minnesota Poets (LOMP) who volunteered their time to put on a terrific event. This year’s convention was held on the site of the Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center which features a fascinating building design and quiet, relaxing grounds that include a small lake with a 1.5 mile trail. I enjoyed both hikes and jogs around the lake on several days to take a break from the convention and get some fresh air. The convention was full of activities to stimulate poets and artists alike. Opening day was highlighted by an optional tour of a local craft brewery, Excelsior Brewing, where participants got to sample some flavorful brews along with some tasty poetry. Later that eve...