Poets Celebrate a Decade of Literary Reviews

Poets from New Jersey and beyond came together to celebrate the 10th anniversary issue of the Edison Literary Review. The event, which took place in the main room of the Barron Arts Center, was hosted by Literary Review Editor Gina Larkin. About three dozen poets and audience members gathered to celebrate the Review's decade of accomplishments.

Preceding the main event, a poetry workshop was held in the basement of the center.  Held every Wednesday evening, this week’s workshop was coordinated by Tony Gruenewald, Production Manager of the Literary Review.  

The poets worked on individual stories and poems using a list of clichés compiled by Gruenewald. Lisa Buttone, an English teacher from Warren, said she had written poetry since she was a child. For the last twenty years, Buttone said she has always wanted to read her poetry out loud, and that the group gives her that outlet. 

After several group members read some of their newly created poems, the workshop ended, and everyone went upstairs to take part in the anniversary celebration which included light refreshments.

At the celebration, Ms. Larkin explained how the Review had changed over the years. After a brief introduction, a number of the poets from the fall issue came up and read their poems, including Gruenewalk. 

After the break, several more poets, many from New York as well as New Jersey, read their poems. The evening concluded with an open mike for poets in the audience.

For more information about the Edison Literary Review you can contact them at www.edisonliteraryreview.org.