By Dan Walsh at Westgate Heritage Centre
Local literature and poetry took another progressive step forward tonight (Saturday) with the official launch of the sixth edition of The Wexford Bohemian, publication WEX BOH SIX subtitled “Wexford’s own journal of art, culture and literature” at a pleasant reception held in Westgate Heritage Centre, Wexford.
The launch was performed by folklorist, writer and artist of many talents, Michael Fortune, who read his introduction to the publication, gave a resumé of stories from the past in his own inimitable style and added that he was delighted to be invited and to hear some of the writers read their pieces.
Editor Álanna Hammel welcomed the attendance, thanked everybody from the contributors to the finished project, especially Michael Fortune, who launched the work and encouraged people to make a purchase and acted as a warm host for the occasion.
The event was held in the Westgate Heritage Centre, a significant building long underused but has gained a new lease of life thanks to the Wex-Art Hidden Worlds exhibition and featured the launch, readings from contributors and the chance to mingle.
The 28 contributors to WEX BOH SIX include Paul Hennessy, Margaret Galvin, Rachel Weintraub, Nora Brennan, Elaine Westnott-O’Brien, Mary O’Brien, Anne Cousins, Aoife Byrne, Philip Quirke, Lulu Sinnott, Caroline Stevens-Taylor, Conor Lyons, Heidi Bowe, Michael Farry, Lauren O’Donovan, Katherine Alabama, Allston James, Deirdre McGarry, Conor Healy, Rachel Meadows, Jack Edmunds-Bergin, Kevin Byrne, Léonie Gresser, Dobroslawa Staszewska, Michael O’Callaghan, Michelle O’Neill, Sasha Bratkova and Ella Carley.
WEX BOH SIX edited by Álanna Hammel, published by Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford, printed by PracticalPrinters.ie, cover design by Michelle O’Neill and sponsored by folklore.ie and County Wexford Arts Department.
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