Attention: Arts and Culture Editors, Literary Editors, Gallery Exhibit Listing Editors
Poetry Wall-to-Wall:
Exhibit to feature a sampler of poetry broadsides*
Toronto (Friday, March 20, 2009) – Toronto Public Library will present an exhibition of poetry broadsides, curated by Toronto Public Library’s featured One Book poet Glen Downie.
What: Poetry Wall-to-Wall: a sampler of poetry broadsides
When: Opens Thursday, April 2; on display until Sunday, May 3, 2009
Where: TD Gallery, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
* In the early years of printing, a broadside was a large sheet of paper printed on one side with public notices, ballads and political opinion. In the modern era, it has become a popular form for disseminating poetry.
The exhibition demonstrates the broadsides' wide appeal as an inexpensive and empowering alternative to standard book publishing, as well as its attraction to those interested in exploring typography as an art form.
In the civil rights and anti-war movements of the late 1960s, the broadside reasserted its traditional role as a vehicle for political expression. But its artistic potential has also been explored by fine printers and artists who interpret contemporary poetry through attractive combinations of design, text and illustration.
Including examples from the Toronto Public Library’s Special Collections and loans from private collections, the exhibition features over 60 international poets and more than 40 private presses from Canada, USA and the UK. Some of the poets featured are Pablo Neruda, Sylvia Plath, Gwendolyn MacEwen, Philip Larkin, Sappho, Kathleen Jaimie, Dudley Randall, Robert Bly and Dorothy Livesay. Rounding out the exhibition is a selection of folded booklets, postcards and chapbooks.
For more information about the exhibit, free tours and other related programming, visit the library website, www.torontopubliclibrary.ca, click on Programs and Events to enjoy the virtual exhibit or call 416-393-7158.
For more information about Toronto Public Library’s Special Collections, visit the library website, www.torontopubliclibrary.ca and click on Collections or call 416-393-7158.
For more information about Keep Toronto Reading, Toronto Public Library’s annual month long showcase of books and culture, visit www.keeptorontoreading.ca.
For more information about Toronto Public Library’s One Book initiative, visit www.keeptorontoreading.com/one-book.
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 16 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow almost 30 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
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Media Contact:
Edward Karek, Communications Officer (416) 397-5925
media@torontopubliclibrary.ca