Southeast to host 40th annual Spring on Cloverlick Poetry and Art Festival

Clara Atkins-Pope, SKCTC arts liaison, is spearheading the organization of the 2012 Spring on Cloverlick Poetry and Art Festival. In approximately 1971, as Falkenstine Hall was being built on campus, the fall festival Swappin Meetin needed to be cancelled due to construction. Not wanting to have an entire year without a festival representation, the college launched a new festival entitled Spring on Cloverlick in 1972. This festival was to have a specific emphasis on poetry and art. Dr. George Luster was the president of Southeast Community College during this period and Professor Jack Bailey, then the music instructor at the college, was asked to coordinate the festival.Dr. Bruce Ayers, current president of SKCTC, continues to advocate for the festival, noting that an important impetus for Spring on Cloverlick was, and is, to encourage elementary, middle and high school students to explore their creative potential, through the writing of poetry and the creation of original paintings, drawings and other works of graphic arts.

The festival is accepting all poetry genres and all artwork mediums from now until April 15, which is the deadline. An awards program, featuring the readings of winning poetry entries and the viewing of all artworks will be held on April 30, beginning at 6pm. A reception will be hosted by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for all poetry and art honorees. The coordinator for the reception is Pat Baker. Music students from around the county will entertain with recital selections during the awards ceremony.