FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"WORDSFAIR: A CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS" TO BE HELD APRIL 6

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 5, 2002 - The Student Publishing Society of Southeast Missouri State University, in conjunction with the Department of English, Funding for Results, and the Southeast Missouri State University Press, announces the arrival of "Wordsfair: A Celebration of the Arts."

Wordsfair is open to the public. It will take place on April 6 from noon to 4 p.m. on the University Terraces at the corner of Pacific and Normal Street in Cape Girardeau. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved into the University Center located on Normal Street.

Wordsfair will feature the talents of Allison Joseph, the poet and winner of the John C. Zacharis First Book Prize and two Illinois Arts Council Awards in Poetry; and Richard Newman, poet and editor of River Styx magazine in St. Louis, Mo.

Local talent also will be featured including music by members of the Ryan Harper Band, original poetry and songs by Dr. Dale Haskell of the Department of English and a performance by the Southeast Shakespeare Troupe. In addition, Wordsfair will entertain with student poetry readings, music, art exhibits, theatrical performances, door prizes and more.

For more information, contact Dr. Susan Swartout at (573) 651-2641.