Virdajean Towns-Collins Mailing Address: 6959 S. Claremont Ave. Chicago, IL. 60636 County: Cook Phone: 773-776-7312 Genre: Poetry/Fiction

Periodical Publications:

• Journal of Ordinary Thought, 1997, 98, 99, 2000 and 2001
• Oak Park Leaves, Chicago Parent, F'News-The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Warpland-Journal of Black Literature and Ideas (1999, 2000)

Book Publications:

• "MIss Biddy" (C.C.D.C.A. & I.A.C. Grant supported) 2001
• Collage, self-published, 1996
• Issues, self-published, 1995
• Flowers, self-published, 1995

Forthcoming Publications:

Awards, Fellowships, Grants and Honors:

• Community Arts Assistant Program Grant 2001
• First Place, "Uninvited" C.D.O.A. Poetry Contest, 2001
• Third Place, "Justified Demise," Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic., 1998
• Second Place, "The Hood," C.S.U. Spring Poetry Slam 1998
• Editors Choice Award from Library of Poetry
• Award of Merit from Famous Poets Society

Recent Readings, Performances and Productions:

• Chicago Cable, Channel 19
• Printers Row Book Fair, 1999, 2001
• Humanities Festival, 1999 to 2001
• W.B.E.Z. FM (848), 2001
• Chicago public libraries: Marchall, Beverly, Sulzer
• Hall, Chicagolawn, Harold Washington
• Host-poet, Afri-Ware Inc. (Oak Park, IL), April 1996 - March 1998
• Has read at the Hall Library Branch and other venues

Recent Workshops:

• Elizabeth Berg, short story writing workshop, 2001
• David Barr, Playwriting workshop, 2001
• Neighborhood Writing Alliance, engaged in motivating the everyday citizen to express himself in acceptable writings, Hall Library Branch (Chicago), 1997 to 2001

Present Employment:

• Retired

Preferred Audience:

• Prefers to work with students of all ages and seniors

Willing to travel:

• yes