Ralph Gustafson Poetry Chair 2005: Don Domanski visits Malaspina

Canadian poet Don Domanski, Malaspina University-College’s distinguished Ralph Gustafson Poet for 2005, will present a free public lecture and poetry reading titled "The Poetry of the Sacred" at Malaspina's Nanaimo campus on Thursday, October 20 at 7:30 pm.

Domanksi was born in 1950 on Cape Breton Island and lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has published seven books of poetry including Stations of the Left Hand and Wolf-Ladder, both shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award. His most recent book is Parish of the Physic Moon. His work has been published and reviewed around the world, including in The Oxford Book of Canadian Verse, and is translated into Czech, Portuguese and Spanish. The free public lecture will take place in Malaspina's Ralph Gustafson Theatre, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, building 355, room 203 (behind the Library). A cocktail reception will follow.

Domanski will also participate in a student-sponsored event at Malaspina on Wednesday, October 19, from 2:30 to 4 pm in building 355, room 211 (student lounge). This free public event will involve students from several faculties at Malaspina including English, Fine Arts, Graphics, Creative Writing, Global and Media Studies, and include readings, conversation, skits and other examinations of Domanski’s poetry.

"Don Domanski’s presence is an honour to Malaspina and not to be missed," said Kate Braid of Malaspina’s Creative Writing department.

The poet Gwendolyn MacEwen once commented that, "Domanski’s is a vision that encompasses life and death without useless rage or intellectual bleakness, but with an acceptance that is both passionate and articulate."

The Ralph and Betty Gustafson Trust was established at Malaspina University-College in 1998 from the estate of the late Ralph Gustafson (1909 – 1995), one of Canada’s pre-eminent poets. For six decades Gustafson practiced his craft and shared his love of language with successive generations of poets. With the support of his widow Betty Gustafson, the trust endows an annual Chair of Poetry at Malaspina University-College, which is devoted to advancing Canadian poetry and supporting deserving poets. Malaspina is the only university or college in Canada that boasts an endowed seat for a poet.

For further information about the Ralph and Betty Gustafson Trust fund, or these free public events, contact Kate Braid, Marilyn Bowering or Amanda Davis at 740-2105.