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is Workshop Chair, Poets and Patrons of Chicago, and past President of the Illinois State Poetry Society.

is an author of books, poems, progressive essays, and scientific journal articles.

sometimes publishes under the name James Escher.

Parent. Caregiver. Advocate. Amplifier. Pianist. Singer. Covid Bereaved Daughter. Breast Cancer Survivor. Connector.

has nearly 200 poems in print, as well as two poetry collections through Finishing Line Press: WHITE FIRE and MOON FIRE.

a Pushcart Prize nominee, has had her poetry published in many journals. 

most recent book, Gathering Sunlight, is a collaborative effort with poet Silvia Scheibli.

Maggie Kennedy’s poems have appeared in Epiphany, Meat for Tea, Cloudbank, Atticus Review, and other publications.

was born and raised in Chicago and a 1968 graduate of Mather High School, and a 1972 graduate of Northern Illinois University. 

Poet and memoirist, Judith MK Kaufman, began writing creatively in mid-life.

is author of several books of award-winning personal narrative and fiction.

Judy SooHoo started writing in her retirement years. She has been published in anthologies including The Write City Review (2023) and TallGrass Writers Guild Play (2022).

is a journeyman haiku poet and facilitator of the ISPS-HSA Haiku Chapter. He has published two books of haiku poetry.

serves as the ISPS treasurer and also membership chair. In addition she is on the Board of East on Central Association.

the author of two poetry chapbooks, In From The Dark and Keep Moving ‘til The Music Stops and a full-length collection entitled Mapping A Life.

Jim is a lifelong resident of Decatur, Illinois. In his poetry he likes to trigger emotion, involve the senses, and capture moments in time.

wrote her recent poetry collection, Unsalted Blue Sunrise, throughout the seasons of a year on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.

recently retired from a 34-year career as a high school English teacher and Fine Arts Coordinator.

is a professor of English for the Chicago City Colleges and a published poet.

is an instructor and advocate for keeping the written word alive.

sees art and poetry as an expression of the joyous mysteries and the tough realities of life.

is the author of The Path that Beckons; Poems About the Journey.

lives with his wife in the Chicago area.

a poet, photographer, short-fictionist, and historian. His work has appeared internationally since 1965.

has published two full-length books of poetry, Postcards From Poland (Chicago Poetry Press, 2014), and Black Forest Dreams (Kelsay Books, 2021).

lives in Gurnee with her husband. They both enjoy poetry, novels, movies and music.

the author of Late Night Talk Show Fantasy & Other Poems (Kelsay Books, 2020) and Clever Gretel (Chicago Poetry Press, 2013).

spent her writing energy on grant proposals and curriculum development during her career as a teacher and school administrator.

a Wheaton resident, has published poetry many national and international journals.

A retired piano teacher, she now pursues her life-long passions for writing, nature and travel.