A meeting place for poets in NW Houston since 1986
Poets Northwest
is a group of poets who encourage each other to learn and practice the art of poetry. We are a chapter of the Poetry Society of Texas and are also affiliated with the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. Founded in 1986, our main objective is to facilitate and inspire poets to write more poetry. We offer an opportunity for members (and guests) to gather monthly, provide a series of annual poetry contests for local members, and publish an anthology every two years. Poets of all ages are welcome.
A Place to Talk Poetry
We gather on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to noon (with a couple of exceptions throughout the year). Each meeting allows members and visiting poets to participate in a read-around of their own poems and to listen to local speakers and guest poets.
We currently meet at:
Cypress Creek Christian Community Center
6823 Cypresswood Dr., 2nd Floor, Room 23/25
Spring, TX 77379
(across the street from the Cypresswood County Courthouse annex)
We currently meet at:
Cypress Creek Christian Community Center
6823 Cypresswood Dr., 2nd Floor, Room 23/25
Spring, TX 77379
(across the street from the Cypresswood County Courthouse annex)
We hope you'll join us!
Our Beginnings
Poets Northwest was established in 1986 by co-founders, Claire Ottenstein-Ross, Betty Kersh and Susan Daubenspeck. The group received its Poetry Society of Texas Charter on June 10, 1987. What began with about ten members now averages around fifty. Poets Northwest is one of the largest chapters in the Poetry Society of Texas.
Originally the group met in members' homes, community centers and churches. Poets Northwest's first meeting was held in June 1986 at the home of Claire Ottenstein-Ross, President. Attending poets were encouraged to bring their poems to read. The first Poets Northwest newsletter was mailed to interested poets by Claire Ottenstein-Ross, the first editor. It was a simple edition typed on a typewriter.
Poets Northwest sponsored its first Spring Fling Poetry Contest in 1988. The first Spring Fling Awards Banquet took place in April 1988, with dinner and an awards presentation chaired by president Claire Ottenstein-Ross. It was held at the Holiday Inn, 16510 N. Freeway in Houston. There were twenty poetry categories offered with prizes totaling $387.
Originally the group met in members' homes, community centers and churches. Poets Northwest's first meeting was held in June 1986 at the home of Claire Ottenstein-Ross, President. Attending poets were encouraged to bring their poems to read. The first Poets Northwest newsletter was mailed to interested poets by Claire Ottenstein-Ross, the first editor. It was a simple edition typed on a typewriter.
Poets Northwest sponsored its first Spring Fling Poetry Contest in 1988. The first Spring Fling Awards Banquet took place in April 1988, with dinner and an awards presentation chaired by president Claire Ottenstein-Ross. It was held at the Holiday Inn, 16510 N. Freeway in Houston. There were twenty poetry categories offered with prizes totaling $387.
