2026 Purdy Poetry Prize goes to Tom Wayman: Jean Baird

 

April 22, 2026 TOM WAYMAN AWARDED  THE 2026 AL AND EURITHE PURDY POETRY PRIZE TOM WAYMAN AWARDED THE 2026 AL AND EURITHE PURDY POETRY PRIZE Eurithe Purdy and the Al Purdy A-frame Association (APAFA) are pleased  to announce that Tom Wayman has been awarded the 2026 Al and Eurithe  Purdy Poetry Prize for his collection Out of the Ordinary (Harbour Publishing).  The $10,000 prize recognizes the most outstanding new book of poetry  published in Canada in 2025 by an established poet with five or more  published poetry collections. Speaking from his home in the West Kootenays, Tom Wayman was thrilled  to learn his book had been selected for the 2026 award. “I’m especially  honoured,” said Wayman, “to be awarded the Al and Eurithe Purdy Poetry  Prize since, in my study where I write each day, a framed photo of Al  glowers down at me-keeping my writing honest, I like to think. Purdy was  helpful to me as a beginning writer in two ways. First, when I was still a  grad student, he named an anthology he edited after the title of a poem  of mine, “Fifteen Winds,” which gave me a huge boost in confidence.  And he included me in his 1971 collection of Canadian poets under 30,  Storm Warning, a kindness that led to my first book being accepted.  Second, the conversational tone of many of Purdy’s poems-a  compositional technique that looks easy to craft, but isn’t-has always  been a model for me: nobody else in the history of English-language  literature beats Purdy at this means to create a poetry anyone can enjoy.” There are two spots left in the April 25 zoom workshop with Stuart Ross, details below. THE GREAT POETRY HEIST Saturday April 25, 2026 at 1 - 3 p.m. ET, via zoom Stuart Ross offers a fun and productive workshop for poets at all levels of experience. We will explore strategies for mining the works of contemporary poets to create our own poems, employing a range of strategies involving ethical thievery, faux translation, ruthless erasure, unconscious collaboration, and affectionate imitation. Arrive with an open mind and leave with a heap of new poems unlike any you’ve written before. Stuart Ross is the author of 23 full-length books, most recently the poetry collection The Sky Is a Sky in the Sky, the Trillium Book Award–winning memoir The Book of Grief and Hamburgers, and the short story collection I Am Claude François and You Are a Bathtub. He has received the Canadian Jewish Literary Award for Poetry and the ReLit Award for Short Fiction, as well as the Harbourfront Festival Prize for his contributions to Canadian literature. Stuart has led scores of workshops in Canada, Chile, and the U.S., and has taught at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies for a decade. He was writer in residence at Queen’s University and the University of Ottawa and has mentored at the Banff Centre. Stuart lives in Cobourg, Ontario, just down the highway from Ameliasburgh. To register for the class send an e-transfer for $20 to info@alpurdy.ca Enrollment is limited.   https://www.alpurdy.ca/donate/ Thank you for your consideration, and your support!

Copyright © 2026 Al Purdy A-frame Association, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have supported the Al Purdy A-frame Association. Our mailing address is: Al Purdy A-frame Association 401--4542 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6R 2J1 Canada Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

A-Frame News: Al and Eurithe Purdy Poetry Prize/Stuart Ross Workshop

 

from Jean Baird

March 25, 2026 A few spots are still available for the Stuart Ross workshop, details below. THE GREAT POETRY HEIST Sunday April 26, 2026 at 1 - 3 p.m. ET, via zoom Stuart Ross offers a fun and productive workshop for poets at all levels of  experience. We will explore strategies for mining the works of contemporary  poets to create our own poems, employing a range of strategies involving  ethical thievery, faux translation, ruthless erasure, unconscious collaboration,  and affectionate imitation. Arrive with an open mind and leave with a heap  of new poems unlike any you’ve written before. Stuart Ross is the author of 23 full-length books, most recently the poetry  collection The Sky Is a Sky in the Sky, the Trillium Book Award–winning  memoir The Book of Grief and Hamburgers, and the short story collection  I Am Claude François and You Are a Bathtub. He has received the Canadian  Jewish Literary Award for Poetry and the ReLit Award for Short Fiction, as  well as the Harbourfront Festival Prize for his contributions to Canadian  literature. Stuart has led scores of workshops in Canada, Chile, and the  U.S., and has taught at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies  for a decade. He was writer in residence at Queen’s University and the  University of Ottawa and has mentored at the Banff Centre. Stuart lives  in Cobourg, Ontario, just down the highway from Ameliasburgh. To register for the class send an e-transfer for $20 to info@alpurdy.ca Enrollment is limited.  Canadian Gothic   https://www.alpurdy.ca/donate/ Thank you for your consideration, and your support!

Copyright © 2026 Al Purdy A-frame Association, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have supported the Al Purdy A-frame Association. Our mailing address is: Al Purdy A-frame Association 401--4542 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6R 2J1 Canada

Al Purdy A-frame Applications Open/Building Updates

 

JULY 18, 2025, 2025 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 AT THE AL  AND EURITHE PURDY  A-FRAME NOW OPEN   The Al Purdy A-frame Association (APAFA) is pleased to announce  that the Call for Applications for residencies in 2026 in now OPEN.  You can find details about how to apply on our website:  https://www.alpurdy.ca/residency/ Deadline is October 10, 2025.   FOUNDATION UPDATE What was accomplished in Phase I It was discovered in 2021 that the foundation under the Al Purdy  A-frame had deteriorated to the point that the main floor was starting  to collapse. On inspection, it was found that the old, substandard  cinder block foundation had broken up and the wooden support timbers  had rotted. As well, the crawl space had been flooded due to rising  water levels.   APAFA was faced with either abandoning the historic structure or  lifting it and installing a new concrete foundation, a major and costly  project. We decided on the latter course and in the process decided  to raise the house high enough to install a full basement under it.  We launched an ambitious fundraising campaign for the $350,000 budget.   The work outlined was completed the end of May, 2025, doubling  the useable floor space. As well the building has been winterized  for all-season use, doubling the time available for cultural activities  in the County. On June 1 the residency program resumed and we  welcomed the 50th writer to the house.   Lakeside The major successes of our project were not just that we succeeded in saving an historic building from collapse but in the course of doing so, were able to double its floorspace with the addition of a fully serviced basement that will serve as a meeting place for cultural activities once it is finished during Phase II.   Additionally, we were able to winterize the building for all-season use whereas previously it had only been useable during the frost-free months. These were unplanned bonuses that became available during the course of the project, resulting in a single-use cultural facility becoming a multi-use facility. These bonuses also increased the budget.   There were a number of major challenges during Phase I. Geotechnical and hydrological studies revealed that the existing crawlspace floor was below the water table. This necessitated the building being raised approximately four feet higher than originally planned, which required more elaborate drainage involving engineered fill, impermeable membranes and enhanced drainage.   As a result of the higher elevation of the building, a massive stone fireplace, which had originally been slated for raising, had to be entirely removed, which had implications for interior renovation and roof repair. In the course of running new electrical cables to service the new heat pump, the kitchen console had to be removed and was found to be unsound. This required replacing the kitchen sink, counter and cupboards with a facility of similar style and provenance. Fortunately, our contractor was up to all these challenges, although substantial additional funding was required.  Kitchen after cabinets were replaced "I, for one, am so happy about the work that has been done to restore and preserve 'our' Al Purdy A-frame. I say 'our' as a resident of Prince Edward County, but also as a Canadian poet and writer, for to us this structure isn't just a writer's retreat; to be awarded a residency in the home of the County's--and the country's-- fabled poet, Al Purdy, is seen today by the literary community from coast to coast as a real coup. Thank the heavens you didn't let go of it, or create a new structure, for having hosted so many great writers here, and fostered emerging ones, and with that amazing Purdy library, and the funky outhouse with all the autographs of famous writers on the door-- it is indeed a historic building!"--Shani Mootoo, Bloomfield   Phase II   In Phase I, time and funding did not allow for finishing of the new basement space, or for remediation of the property, which was left in a condition of raw soil over most of the area due to excavation and removal of diseased elm trees. During Phase II the land will be replanted to grass, trees and shrubs—this will be done over time as funds become available but we do want to get a start on this work in fall 2025. The new basement space will also be finished for use as a cultural meeting space and archive.   Al and Eurithe in front of the 1950s A-frame Specifically, the following improvements will be undertaken:   --finishing the new lower storey --plumbing and fixture installation of kitchenette --flooring throughout the new space --cabinetry and fixtures in archive room, for Purdy materials gifted by Eurithe Purdy --replanting lawn throughout property --shrubbery around new foundation --new trees to replace the diseased elms that were removed --accessibility   Work will begin in November, after the residency program for 2025 is finished and will be completed by March 2026 when the residency program will resume.   Please help us get that basement finished. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/al-purdy-a-frame-association/

Copyright © 2025 Al Purdy A-frame Association, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have supported the Al Purdy A-frame Association. Our mailing address is: Al Purdy A-frame Association 401--4542 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6R 2J1 Canada Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Jean Baird's Annual report on Al Purdy A-frame writer-in-residence

 From Jean Baird's email report:

March 11, 2025 ANNUAL REPORT & FOUNDATION UPDATE Dear A-framers: What if Canadians started buying Canadian books with the same gusto that they are buying Canadian alcohol? This isn't my idea, but it sure is worth repeating and thinking about. We see the Arts under siege in the United States of America. In a recent Special to the Globe and Mail, Gil Garratt, artistic  director of the Blyth Festival writes: "Canadians are booing the American anthem at rinks; bars and restaurants are changing their taps and wine menus; stores are ripping American products from shelves; politicians are plotting the pinch points of import and export. “Buy Canadian!” we holler. And  in our stores, we see neat labels – “Made in Canada,” “Product of Canada,” “Canadian Made” – to make it easier to stand in the  aisle and make a sober choice. "But what about in our culture? I mean, you wanna talk about trade deficits? "In 2022, Hill Strategies pegged the U.S.-Canada cultural trade deficit at around $7.3-billion in favour of the United States, a gap that has existed for decades. As a culture worker for the past 30 years, I have watched a relentless flood of American culture spill into Canada. And make no mistake. Culture is one of America’s most lucrative exports." In difficult times we need the arts more than ever. The 2024 Annual Report is now up. You can read it at this link, and see what is happing with the Foundation project: https://www.alpurdy.ca/a-frame-annual-reports/           As well as providing the A-frame with a new foundation and basement, thereby doubling our space and our residency season, the project has resulted in a new driveway and we were also able to remove the remnants of the old garage that burnt down many years ago. Here's Al examining the remains For the basement to be usable it needs to be finished. We have a wonderful opportunity from a highly skilled contractor. He has offered to arrive in April to do the work in-kind, we only need to pay for materials. It would be so exciting to get the basement finished before the residency program opens in May. Please help us get that basement finished. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/al-purdy-a-frame-association/

Copyright © 2025 Al Purdy A-frame Association, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have supported the Al Purdy A-frame Association. Our mailing address is: Al Purdy A-frame Association 401--4542 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6R 2J1 Canada Add us to your address book

Update on Al Purdy A-Frame

 Posting from the Al Purdy A-Frame Association newsletter yesterday. I drove to Ameliasburgh in late summer when the project looked extremely daunting. So it was a pleasant surprise to get this email update from Jean Baird yesterday!   

December 18, 2024   Double, Double   Looking back at 2024 it has been a year of surprises and great opportunities.   Because of the significant work happening at the A-frame there was not the usual coming and going of poets and writers but, as reported in earlier newsletters, we did organize a number of events locally and online including workshops, readings, literary walks and a song-writing workshop.   But our focus has been the Foundation Project at the A-frame. You will recall that the Purdys built on the flood plain and that over the years moisture had taken a toll so the decision was made to raise the house and put a proper foundation under to preserve the building. Our most ambitious fundraising campaign was launched with a target of $300,000.   After we successfully raised a good portion of that target, and with discussions with the contractor, we realized that raising the house would also create the opportunity to winterize and thereby extend our season. The fundraising target was revised to $330,000, a goal that was met (with some pledges) in spring 2024 and work began in July. Up, up it went. The Flying A-frame And the writing shed also soars   Then the next opportunity was revealed. With the house raised there was the option, instead of a 1.5M crawlspace (the original plan), to create a full basement that once finished would be useable. Double the floorspace.   We reviewed the implications and the budget. Double the space and double the residency season. How could we say no? The commitment was made and the basement was created. The A-frame on its new foundation New basement Work will be ongoing through April 2025 and the new basement will have as much finishing as our budget allows. Some things—for example, cabinetry, archival storage space—may need to be deferred until a later date when funds become available. If you make end of the year donations, please consider the A-frame. As you can see in the photos, the building is now on its new foundation so the place will be dry and protected for years to come. But we still need to raise funds to finish that newly-acquired basement. Windows in, and the start of the upper tier of the new deck Sometimes people make donations to note an important event. Recently many have donated in Celebration of Eurithe Purdy's 100th birthday. Since the announcement of the Steven Heighton Fellowship donations have been made in his memory. That guy was much loved.   Or you could make a donation in Celebration of Al Purdy’s birthdate, December 30, 1918.   In times of turmoil we need the Arts more than ever.   Thanks for your interest and support. https://www.alpurdy.ca/donate/   Merry Christmas!  Hanukkah Sameach!  Joyous Kwanzaa!  Blessed Yule!  Happy Boxing Day!  Dōngzhì Kuàilè!  Feliz Navidad!  Yoi Otoshi o!  Feliz Día de Reyes!   HAPPY NEW YEAR   Copyright © 2024 Al Purdy A-frame Association, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have supported the Al Purdy A-frame Association. Our mailing address is: Al Purdy A-frame Association 401--4542 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6R 2J1 Canada Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. email to local friends How’re you guys doing? I  keep pretty quiet over the hols - actually most of the time now. Been keeping a regular schedule and going to bed at 11 after watching a DVD every night. Last night I fell asleep just after 11 and then a tapping sound awoke me. Didn’t have the energy to investigate, but wonder if you came by to visit?  Watched the 3 part Lord of the Rings a week ago, and then binge watched the entire TV series Ted Lasso this week about a soccer team in England. It was filmed in my old hangout of Richmond on the Thames.  Been exchanging emails with a UK writer, Cassie Steward, who is writing a novel based on my memoir of those days in Richmond and Kingston, when I lived on Eel Pie Island. According to her my book is popular in the UK, although I don’t receive any royalties on it. Aargh  Went to Callaghan’s on Tuesday for a couple of hours. So far it looks like the barricades are keeping the ATVers out! Still the fallen tree on the path to the bridges, though. In the cold weather I was too stiff to bend under it and had to walk around. Growing old sucks!

Updates: Milton Acorn Tribute book/ Al Purdy A-frame

Update on tribute book for Milton Acorn




The meeting on Friday, March 1, at the Mosaic office in Oakville with Howard Aster, Terry Barker & I went very well. Howard was pleased with the addition of Dr. Bruce Meyer as an editor. Howard immediately understood the academic & literary abilities & connections which Bruce will bring to the second Acorn book.

We reviewed the list of received & anticipated contributors to the Milt book - we now have somewhere around 20 - 25 contributors.We may eventually post these online for review.

Howard is a no-nonsense guy, & his suggestions (directives) for the book included the remonstrance to avoid cronyism (e.g. not just old friends & comrades of Milt should be included). Howard also stressed the importance of rigorous academic articles on Milt - to balance the 'scrapbook' aspect of the many memoirs, poems & pics.

Howard also stressed the importance of fresh material, altho if necessity requires, we can fill in gaps in Milt's history & legacy with reprints. Howard said that most other publishers are very cooperative re reprints, altho this is a back-up position.

Howard set the target date for having some sort of work-in-progress manuscript for this fall. He will then send the ms-in-progress to various readers for their input.


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Update on Purdy A-frame
(email from Jean Baird)

Dear A-framers:

The Al Purdy Show on February 6 in Toronto was a wonderful event (program attached). We did videotape the evening so for those of you who weren't able to attend, stay tuned for further information down the road when the editing is completed. The event raised $40,000 which puts us in good shape to begin the upgrades. We are looking for volunteers to help with the upgrade work--if you are interested, let me know and I'll add your name to the contact list.

We are starting to accumulate stories about Al. If you have one--and please include photos if you have them--send them via email with the subject line "Encounters with Al."

Fundraising continues in order to have funds for the writer-in-residence program and to build an endowment. Now that the Al Purdy-A frame Association owns the house, some people have pledged to make an annual donation. Others have made donations "in memory" of loved ones or writers who knew Al. If you are interested in being an annual donor, please get in touch.

Best

Jean

The Al Purdy A-frame Association
4403 West 11th Ave.,
Vancouver BC
V6R 2M2

www.alpurdy.ca