FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONFERENCE TO FEATURE
CELEBRATED CANADIAN POET: P.K. Page

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2002, PETERBOROUGH - The Department of English at Trent University will host a conference in October to explore the work of Canadian poet and visual artist P.K. Page.

A woman whose work spans six decades, P.K. Page has published more than 20 books in the genres of poetry, fiction, memoir, children’s literature and translation. As a visual artist, under the name of P.K. Irwin, she has produced an impressive body of work that is represented in many major Canadian galleries.

The conference, entitled "Extraordinary Presence: The Worlds of P.K.Page," will take place October 24 to 27, 2002. During those days a number of events will be held on campus and in the greater Peterborough community, including the presentation of academic papers, poetry readings and tributes, an exhibit of P.K. Page’s visual art at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, a showing of films by and about P.K. Page, a concert, a banquet hosted by CBC’s Shelagh Rogers, and an open mike session with P.K. Page, local poets and students.

Now in her 85th year, P.K. Page will be in attendance at the conference. Also featured are a variety of artists, writers and other participants including Eve Egoyan, Patrick Lane, Carolyn Zonailo, Marilyn Bowering, Elizabeth Brewster and more.

Mark your calendars and be sure to attend the many events planned to celebrate the depth and resonance of the work of P.K. Page. Some events are free and open to the general public. For a full schedule of events and registration information, please visit www.trentu.ca/presence.

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Media are welcome and encouraged to attend this event. For more information, please contact: Professor Zailig Pollock, Department of English, Trent University, (705) 748-1011, ext. 1793 or Marilyn Burns, Communications, Trent University (705) 748-1303.