Writer Gurney Norman Named Kentucky Poet Laureate

July 14, 2009 - PRLog -- FRANKFORT, KY- Recently Gurney Norman was appointed as the Kentucky Poet Laureate for 2009-20010 by Gov. Beshear on April, 24, 2009.

Over the past thirty years, Mr. Norman has been a major force in the literary and cultural renaissance throughout the state and region.  Norman is best known for his novel "Divine Right's Trip" and his collection of stories "Kinfolks: The Wilgus Stories." Presently the Director of the University of Kentucky Creative Writing Program, Norman will soon complete his thirtieth year teaching at the university.

The Kentucky Poet Laureate is appointed by the governor to promote the literary arts in Kentucky. The word "poet" in the position's title is interpreted in its broadest sense to include persons whose accomplishments are in any literary form.

The Kentucky Arts Council has also launched a Kentucky Poet Laureate Web site at http://www.artscouncil.ky.gov/Poet/Poet.htm, which includes a biographical sketch of Gurney Norman, a selected short story, his engagement calendar and a brief history of the Kentucky Poet Laureate position, including past Kentucky poets laureate.

The Kentucky Arts Council is a state agency in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet that creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Contact Information:       Ed Lawrence
             Communications Director
             (502) 564-3757
             ed.lawrence@ky.gov
             www.artscouncil.ky.gov

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