Be sure to read: NEW Contest Guidelines for 2026
Gallery Vertigo’s 25th Anniversary
- Prizes remain as follows: $100 for 1st; $50 for 2nd; $25 for 3rd.
- Entries are received on-line or in hard copy at Gallery Vertigo between September 26 and November 7; no entries accepted or viewed after November deadline.
- Each poem must be on one page, written in English. This year’s suggested theme is 25th anniversaries of any sort, or you could reference Silver in some form. Suggested length — 25 lines (include blank rows in count). Do not include your name on your work (blind judging is in effect so everyone has a fair chance, being anonymous); the Gallery will keep your info safe. Winners will be identified at the November 21st event. Judge is Harold Rhenisch.
- An application can be picked up at the Gallery. Author’s full name, address, phone number, e-mail address and three-sentence bio (in case the poem is a winner). Author retains copyright of that specific work.
- Depending on number of entries, top 10 winners will be requested to read their work at the Gallery on the November 21st event, in addition to featured poets. He/she/they may also be requested to display the winning pages at the Gallery.
- There may be a brief preparatory time for contestants to refresh public speaking skills and to let Devon Muhlert know if they need to leave early on November 21 (last year it caused a change and disruption).
- For those who will not be able to read due to time constraints, Harold Rhenisch will lead a poetry workshop for them at a later date, with open mic opportunity.
- One submission only from each applicant. Entry fee is $15. Part of the submission package will include a contract to be signed by entrant, guaranteeing their attendance at the event if they are a winner and that AI was NOT used in their entry.
- Poets should avoid vulgar, hateful, discriminatory, profane, or otherwise offensive language. Entries containing such content will be immediately disqualified.
- Original work only is accepted. This poem must not have been previously published, or accepted for publication, or have been a winner in a previous contest. If it was shared on the internet, it is considered published. AI generated work is disqualified.
- Please enter only your best work—after submission, no alterations to the poem will be allowed.
- Poems are judged on artistic impact and writing skill. The judge’s decision is final.
- Members of the Gallery Vertigo administrative team are not eligible for the competition. Entrants that are minors must have parental permission and signature.
- All are welcome to the Poetry Parade event at the gallery on November 21st at 7:00 pm. All attendees are encouraged to either wear something silver (dress, boots, necktie), or accessorize with silver to make it a fun experience.
- Tickets will go on sale several weeks beforehand. Entrants to the competition do not need to pay again, and they are allowed 2 tickets for people accompanying them to avoid one person commandeering a row that could seat others.
Please print out and complete a submission form. Be sure to read the Guidelines prior to completing the Entry Form.
Three ways to get it back to us:
- Mail to: Gallery Vertigo, PO Box 1775 Vernon, BC V1T 8C3
- Scan and email to: galleryvertigonoaa@gmail.com (Subject Poetry Contest)
- Drop off at Gallery: 2901 30th Avenue, Vernon, BC (business hours Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 – 4:30)