Siobhan Pitchford, PWLF's 1st Lady

A wonderful artist and poet, Siobhan is the driving force behind the administration of PWLF. She is author of three chapbooks and co-author of Dialogues: a Conversation in Sonnets. She is also the editor of PenChant as well as the webmistress of this site.

David Pitchford

President of PWLF,editor/publisher of Prism Quarterly, and as author/publisher, David has written several chapbooks and published many more... He is presently a Teaching Assistant at the UIS Center for Teaching and Learning.

Corrine Frisch

is one of the best rhyming poets you're likely to meet in this state, or any other in which English is the primary language. Her wit and spark make her lots of fun to be around, too. Be very wary of her at a table of five - if you know what that means...

Ethan Lewis

is one of the most encouraging coaches a poet can have, as well as being among the foremost critics for worthwhile feedback. He teaches at UIS, specializing in Shakespeare and contemporary poets.

John Knoepfle & Val Adam

Val is one of the most enthusiastic fans any poet could ask for, and this is her favorite poet, John Knoepfle. John is author of Poems from the Sangamon and a few other books, and a bit of a Springfield legend among poetfolk. (Please note that "a few other" and "a bit of" are humorous understatement: John's accomplishments are exemplary and multitudinous.)

Sam B. Davis

A devout NON-member (claims to be a non-joiner), Sam has done more for the Forum over the years than most. He's about the best critic you can ask for as his feedback is as poignant as it gets. He's currently beardless and emcees at IMO's open-mics.

Blowin' Joe Russell

Born to jazz, Joe Russell plays a mean harmonica - when they let him - and articulates otherwise when forced. Happily for us, we see the poetic expression of his words now and again.

Thea' Chesley

Thea is proprietor of the Rainbow House, and an extraordinary influence on the Springfield poetry scene. She was one of the forces behind the chapbook craze back in 1995, and has three chapbooks since.

Bill 'Pappa' Jarrico

Known by many of the members as 'Dad', Jarrico is a staunch advocate of the arts and the first amendment. His talents are diverse and many. How many languages does he speak/read? Jarrico is also moderator of Writers Round Table online.

Ken Sibley

WWII Veteran and a wonderful poet! Ken spent a great deal of his life teaching, and continues to do so behind the mic now and again... His book People with a Certain Dignity is a fine collection of vignettes.

Job Conger

Job was president of PWLF 1996-2000. He accomplished many things then, and continues to be a passionate advocate for artists in Central Illinois. Job has published four books, is a foremost Vachel Lindsay scholar, and produces Brews Muse for PWLF.

Barb Robinette

Smart, witty, and a fine writer, Barb Robinette is now living in Arkansas and wonders where she'll find a flesh-n-blood writers' group for support. Meantime she uses technology - both old and new - to maintain her contact with us. She often contributes to Prism Quarterly.

Vicki Bamman

You'll find it a whale of a challenge to meet a more tender hearted person on this planet. Her poetry is open and heartful, and always touches you somewhere. She also has a great deal of talent in visual arts.

Mike Bamman

A stalwart fan and supporter. Husband to Vicki, Mike is known by several monikers, Teddy and Mike being the most popular... Don't even think about a resemblance to Walt Whitman...

Galyn Ruyle

A formidible storyteller, Galyn often finds life surprising, which explains this particular pose. A shaman lost on the way to Buddhism, Galyn beats his drums and then listens for the still, small voice.

Auntie Donna

as we know her - Donna Ruyle as others know her. Donna is a terrific storyteller and delightful to listen to as well as converse with. She is author of Lagniappe (published by Daybreak Press).

Mr. Hippo Guy

His name's Pat, but everyone knows him as the hippo guy. He's a guy who's always ready with a humorous yarn or anecdote (or sometimes twine).

K.A.T Corrigan

is author of KAT's Tales and KAT's Meow (both published by Daybreak Press). Her giggle is wonderfully contagious and greatly renowned.

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