There are still a few spots left to come and listen to a presentation from one of Calgary's finest poets. Richard Harrison will be at the Central library this Wednesday, February 27, at 6:30pm, to illuminate the hidden connections between the superheroes you thought you knew.

Without much of a background in the world of comics I have no idea what kind of bridges Mr. Harrison has built, or where his lines are drawn, but I know for sure it will be an interesting hour of literary investigation from a very accomplished poet and experienced university professor. For a sneak peek into "The Dark Knight Origin of the Man of Steel", check out the book that contains the essay of the same title:

Secret Identity Reader: Essays on Sex, Death, and the Superhero

...Comic-book superheroes have risen from their newsprint beginnings to dominate films, infiltrate the literary establishment, and become an integral part of popular culture. Secret Identity Reader: Essays on Sex, Death, and the Superhero is a collaboration between two authors who investigate, and often disagree on, key facets of the superhero character and storyline. Masculinity, origin stories and the problem of the side kick are all fair game in this wide-ranging discussion, which also considers the superhero's place in a post 9/11 world and considers why these characters keep dying and coming back to life.

For more on Richard Harrison, click here to read his Mount Royal University profile. And if you're more interested in the poetic side of things make sure to pick up a copy of the Governor-General nominated book of poems: 'Big Breath of a Wish' and his most recent release 'Worthy of his Fall'.

Photo: Adina Currie Calling all artists, poets, writers!

We are thrilled that our new poet laureate, Kris Demeanor, will be performing this Friday at the Central Library at the ArtsVote Calgary Election Forum.

Will Kris be reading a poem? Peforming with a guitar? You'll have to join us on Friday, March 30 at 12:00 p.m. to find out!

Anyone interested in the arts will want to come out to this forum to get a better understanding of the various candidates views on arts issues (which includes issues directly affecting writer-types!) and funding. Come join us to listen, ask questions, and enjoy a performance by Kris Demeanor.

From the ArtsVote website:

ArtsVote Calgary and the Calgary Public Library present a Provincial Election Forum, hosted by Russell Bowers of CBC’s Daybreak Alberta. The forum will take place at 12:00 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012 at the central branch of the Calgary Public Library (616 Macleod Tr SE).

Confirmed participants:

Alberta Party – Kevin Woron
EverGreen Party – William Hamilton
Liberal Party – David Swann
Progressive Conservative Party – Sandra Jansen

[**Nook update: 7 political parties will now be present:

Progressive Conservative Party – Sandra Jansen
Social Credit Party – Len Skowronski
Wildrose Party – Mike Blanchard ]

Performance by Calgary’s Poet Laureate, Kris Demeanor

During the celebration of Calgary as a Cultural Capital of Canada, and heading into a provincial election, there’s no better time than now to engage candidates for the Alberta Legislature in an arts forum. While there is a vibrant and thriving arts community in Alberta, there are issues affecting this creative sector that threaten the viability of many arts organizations and the livelihood of individual artists.

Building on the public support of ArtsVote Calgary activities during the 2010 Calgary municipal election, ArtsVote Calgary is once again hosting an all-party forum. This opportunity for the arts community and the candidates to come together and engage in conversation will bring forward significant arts related issues. The arts community has been asked to submit the questions to be put to the candidates. This will make for a relevant and topical discussion. Leaders of each of the provincial parties or their designates will be in attendance for the debate.

We are honoured to have radio personality Russell Bowers, host of CBC’s Daybreak Alberta, as the forum’s moderator.

ArtsVote Calgary is pleased to be partnering with the Calgary Public Library for this event. This new relationship demonstrates the strength of community collaboration.

Source: Artsvote website

Come join us from 12:00 to 1:00 on Friday, March 30 to have your voice heard!

ArtsVote Calgary Election Forum at the Central Library.