Author Description

Saint Paul Almanac Volume 14: Illumination is an anthology of prose and poetry from Minnesotan writers that illuminate the tenacity, grit, pleasure, and grace of the human experience. This singular volume, the twentieth anniversary edition of the Almanac, is filled with thought-provoking and moving works from memoirists Sherry Quan Lee and Hedy Tripp; poets Debra Stone, Stephanie Booker Maari, Donna Isaac, and John Medeiros; and community activists Clarence White and Dr. Lavonne Moore, among other nearly 100 contributors, including winners of the 2023 Sidewalk Poetry Contest. Illumination also highlights the voices we seldom hear. You'll find incarcerated writers, those who experience health challenges, those who grieve and heal, and those who cope with marginalization. It also includes stories and poems from young writers who are elementary and high school students. There are reflections about longing to connect, the search for truth, the joy of abundance from nature, and a magical parable of possibility. Within these pages are testimonies to mentors and unexpected encounters with strangers. The book also features art from David Ralph Johnson, Tom McGregor, Rachel Quast, Kristin Schue, Susan Solomon, Anne Spooner, and Rajine Williams. Award-winning artist and visionary Ta-Coumba T. Aikens depicted the cover art. There is something for everyone in this anthology. Cover Artist: Ta-Coumba T. Aiken Cover Art: Visitation, 2024 acrylics on basswood, 12×12 inches