‘Set Your Conscious Free’: Buttonwood Tree seeking poetry contest entries

MIDDLETOWN — The Buttonwood Tree is accepting submissions for a poetry contest, “Set Your Conscious Free,” in honor of Susan Allison, the venue's founder; and Barbara Payne, mother of Portland's current laureate.

Allison was born in Derby and raised in Louisville, Ky., according to a press release.

She considered poetry and wanderlust the two main constants in her life, the news release said. She graduated from Wesleyan University with a bachelor of arts degree in African studies in 1985. After traveling and starting a family, she opened an old and rare bookshop, Ibis Books & Gallery, in Middletown's North End in 1989.

In 1991, it was converted to The Buttonwood Tree, an arts and cultural performance space that continues to be a hub of artistic and cultural activity, the venue said.

Payne's son, Portland's poet laureate Naji Chester Payne, inspired and is co-sponsoring this contest. His mother was raised in a foster home and endured many challenges throughout her lifetime, the statement said.

Barbara lived in the Chatham Court apartments since it was established 34 years ago, and was well-known in the community as “mother” of the neighborhood and was “highly regarded” by the Portland Housing Authority. She served on the Housing Authority Committee, Community Action and Parks and Recreation.

The Payne Chester Community Center was named after her and her late husband. Naji Payne said he was inspired by the poetry of Amanda

Gordon, and hopes that people who have never written poetry before will be encouraged to express themselves through poetry as he has done.

The winner will receive $100. The second-place prize is $50, and third place, $25, plus there will be honorable mentions.

Submissions are open through June 30. One poem will be accepted per person, there is no fee to submit, and the contest is open to those 16 and older.

For other information, go to buttonwood.org/ poetry-contest.