New literary roster artists

Jason Joyce – poet
Cheyenne
Jason Joyce received his B.S in business administration from the University of Wyoming (UW) with a minor in creative writing. For his senior honors project, he developed a poetry workshop comprised of speaking and interactive components that brings a fresh and modern take on poetry in the classroom. He has presented his workshop at the Laramie County Library as part of their youth outreach program, to English classes at Cheyenne East High, and at the Teaching Creativity Conference, partnered by UW and Rutgers University. Jason’s goal is to make words fun, get people excited and rejuvenate poetry for his generation. Contact: 307-220-0634; e-mail: jasonrjoy@hotmail.com; website: http://www.jasonrjoyce.blogspot.com/


Rick Kempa – poet and essayist
Rock Springs
Poet and essayist Rick Kempa teaches writing and philosophy and directs the Honors Program at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs. Drawing on a quarter-century of experience as an educator and professional writer, and a lifelong commitment to sharing his love of the written word, he offers one- or two-day workshops custom-designed to meet the needs and experience-level of participants, working with teens, college students, and adults. Rick offers a publishing workshop, which equips more experienced writers with the tools and techniques for pursuing publication, and gives spirited performances of his own work. Contact: 307-389-3127; e-mail: rkempa@wwcc.wy.edu ; website: www.wyomingauthors.pbworks.com/Rick+Kempa

George J. Vlastos – writer, poet
Casper
Between time spent on his family’s olive farm on Crete, teaching language arts at Star Lane Center, an interdisciplinary problem-based high school in Casper, and his duties as
Young Authors District Coordinator for the Natrona County School District, George Vlastos writes poetry. He has published several collections, including Strophe (1997), Dreams, Grotesques & Hours (2003) and 9 Cross Sections (2005). Previously in WordBand, a former WAC roster artist literary group that performed choral poetry, George approaches the “mythic procession of community and culture” in his workshop presentations, and “the processes necessary to move from thought to written expression.” Contact: 307-237-1031; e-mail: George_Vlastos@ncsd.k12.wy.us