Hagios Press and Coteau Books Fall 2013 Launch

Trevor Herriot reads from R.D. Symons' memoir, Countryboy
(to a full house, and watchers from the walls, by Andrew Salgado...)  

At the recent fall book launch for Saskatchewan's Hagios Press and Coteau Books, all eyes were on the readers: Allan Safarik, Laurie D. Graham and Trevor Herriot.

And the eyes followed the other speakers, too: Nik Burton of Coteau, Paul Wilson of Hagios, and Byrna Barclay of the Saskatchewan Arts Board.

And there were more eyes than those of the audience, in this roomful of watchers...

Laurie D. Graham, with Rove 

From the walls, oversized figures gazed at the scene... (And I found it difficult not to keep watching them, in return...)

The evening opened with a reading by Laurie D. Graham, from her new poetry collection, Rove, published under the Hagios Strike Fire! new authors series.

Allan Safarik followed, with excerpts from his historical novel, Swedes' Ferry, from Coteau. (It's fun when poets turn novelists! A great reading and my husband promptly started reading my copy of the book, so I can't tell you more about it...)

Allan Safarik, with Swedes' Ferry 

The final reader, naturalist Trevor Herriot, read sections from R.D. Symons' memoir, A Country Boy, published by Hagios.

(Hagios has also published a related volume, Countryman, by Terry Fenton, in partnership with the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery; Trevor wrote the introduction to this. Countryman focuses on R.D. Symons' art, which is on display in Moose Jaw until January 5, 2014... And as soon as I have a reliable car, I plan to drive out to see this exhibit. Stay tuned for more on A Country Boy and Countryman...)

It was a brilliant idea to have a joint launch. Lots of variety, great readers, great books.

And... As for those ever-watching eyes...

The Art Gallery of Regina, where the book launch took place, currently features The Acquaintance, a display of vibrant portraits by Andrew Salgado, an artist originally from Regina who is now living in London, England.

Salgado's show, which the gallery statement describes as striking "an interesting balance between realism and abstraction by prioritizing the property and quality of paint above his subject," runs through November 22, 2013. It's well worth dropping by!

More images from the launch follow...

Paul Wilson of Hagios Press introduces the evening;
all portraits by Andrew Salgado.

Nik Burton of Coteau Books takes a turn at the lecturn;portraits by Andrew Salgado. 

The Saskatchewan Arts Board's Byrna Barclay
brings greetings.

Dwarfed by art:
April Bourgeois of Coteau Books; 
portraits by Andrew Salgado. 

Art and life:
Eric Greenway of Hagios Press;
portraits by Andrew Salgado. 

~~~~~

Vertigo: Gerry Hill, Anne Campbell, Susan Andrews Grace

Tara Dawn Solheim 

The Vertigo Series in Regina, Saskatchewan, featured three master poets this week: Gerald Hill, Anne Campbell, and Susan Andrews Grace.

(They each have five books — at least by my recollection of host Tara Dawn Solheim's introductions. Not only that, but Gerald Hill also has a map... A Hillsdale Map.)

Vertigo is a musical experience as well, and Patrick Andrews and Rob Young performed before and between readings.

Gerald Hill and Anne Campbell live in Regina, while Susan Andrews Grace is based in Nelson, B.C. (They've also all spent time at the Saskatchewan Writers/Artists Retreats while I've been there; it was great to see them all here — and to hear their work.)

Gerald Hill, Anne Campbell, and Susan Andrews Grace

Gerald Hill holding and reading from
Hillsdale, a Map 

Patrick Andrews and Rob Young

~~~~~

Anne Lazurko - Dollybird - and Kim McCullough - Clearwater

Novelists Anne Lazurko and Kim McCullough   © SB

A full house turned out to hear Anne Lazurko (Dollybird) and Kim McCullough (Clearwater) read from their new novels in Regina, Saskatchewan, this week.

It was a highly entertaining evening, with great readings from both talented writers.

History, sex, suspense, and wonderful storytelling...

(No tornadoes, but there is one in Dollybird...)

Saskatchewan born and raised, Anne lives in Weyburn. Originally from Regina, Kim now lives in Calgary.

Both Anne Lazurko's Dollybird and Kim McCullough's Clearwater are published by Coteau Books. (The novels are available in e-formats, as well as print.)

Thursday's launch was held at at the Artful Dodger.

Congrats, Anne and Kim!

Top row: Anne Lazurko and Kim McCullough.
Bottom row: Other presenters - Coby Stephenson,
Katherine Lawrence, and Nik Burton. 

~~~~~

Ken Howe: The Civic-mindedness of Trees, in Regina

A great reading at the Bushwakker brew pub in Regina last night, as poet Ken Howe shared poems from his new collection, The Civic-mindedness of Trees (Wolsak and Wynn) — and treated listeners to the authoritative voice of his reverberation tube. (It boomed with the deep voice of trees, gods and narrators alike.)

Poet Ken Howe, speaking to and through the Tube. © SB

Howe, who was an active member of a local writing group when he lived in Saskatchewan, now lives in Quebec City. He was in Regina as part of a national tour to promote his new book. 

Poetry, props and beer! What better way to spend an evening! 

~~~~~