We thank everyone for their submissions.
Stay tuned for the full announcement of the spoken word event on November 22nd, 2025, 7-9 pm.
A Conversation with our Judge
Harold Rhenisch and Devon Muhlert were recently in conversation. He is our Judge for Gallery Vertigo’s Poetry Parade, a contest that will culminate in a November 22nd reading event. A generous man, Rhenisch has assisted emerging poets to get their work into the world.
The unique and visionary flair in his writings comes sometimes with whimsical illustrations and humour. He has 34 books to his credit, with another one forthcoming, co-authored with Canadian poet Susan McCaslin. In the past he won the George Ryga prize, a CBC contest, and had just returned from travel to accept the Sunshine Coast Writers’ and Editors’ prize for a poetry volume. A real feather in Vernon’s cap is that two of the three declared winners are from Vernon: Rhenisch and Virginia Dansereau.
In another example of his generosity, Rhenisch offered to MC the November evening event. Naming the Poetry Parade winners will be final, but he commented that he could engage to explain the rationale behind his decisions.
The contest promises to be an exciting time for both well-known and emerging regional poets. The November event will unfold with perhaps six invited readers and an open mike opportunity for those who would like to read their original poetry. The 3-minute time limit (including getting on and off the stage), allows each open mike reader one poem and hopefully encourages those apprehensive of a longer presentation. So set up your keyboard and e-mail your piece by October 25—we look forward to your participation.