It should say about "US" -- we are a group of writers and artists who have been meeting in the Merrimack Valley area of MA for 17 years. Some original members from the group's founding are still active participants.
The Essex Writers’ & Artists’ Guild (EWAG) was the brainchild of writer Judith Gagnon. Founded in the summer of 1992, Judith sought to create a haven for writers, artists and other imaginative people to gather once a week and share their work in the greater Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts. Meeting each Thursday night, the format was simple: bring something to read or share, and present it without fear of sharp criticism or censorship. To foster open expression and creativity, Judith found it crucial that new members didn’t feel like “nobody.†She envisaged a secure, welcoming environment where the voices and visions of members can develop and flourish.
The overall plan of providing a safe and inspirational haven has worked wonders and continues to benefit EWAG’s members as they expand their list of creative achievements. Members have published novels, non-fiction books, won awards, written for Television and Film, and are routinely featured in magazines, anthologies, newspapers, and in on-line venues. Several talented visual artists in the group have found work in a variety of media, including web design, fine art, and illustration. Musicians are also part of EWAG’s membership, and many meetings feature original songs by members.
Well into its second decade, EWAG continues to strive for excellence and to actively welcome new members. Trust and support from peers build an artist’s confidence and allow the beauty within to emerge—and to be shared by everyone. The longevity, creativity and achievements of this group are a tribute to Judith’s ideas, and proof they work! EWAG Members include:
Tracy L. Carbone
Shawna Bernard
Scott Goudsward
Cat Colbert
Pam Marin-Kingsley
A.E. Martineau
Mellisa Sherlin
Gregory L. Norris
Doug Swatski
R. Goftstein
Jeff Pettengill
Karen Dent
K-Jo Devlin
Roxanne Dent
Helen Wall
My Interests
I'd like to meet:
We'd like to meet other writers, other writing groups and workshops. We love other creative, working people who share our interests and zeal for creating, doing and promoting the arts.
