WMG’s Poetry Event on June 9, 2024 featured Madeline McConico and Sarah Peecher, close friends and co-editors for “Off The Page“ together with two specially curated guests, Tanya León-Moreno and Pochis. In their work they explored the inner and outer narrative of literature, collaboration, and friendship. Literary Curator: Jae Green.
Madeline McConico (she/her) is a Chicago-based poet, editor, and artist. She holds a BA in English from Iowa State University and completed her MFA at Columbia College Chicago. Her work has appeared in Allium: A Journal of Prose & Poetry, Opal Literacy, POTLUCK, and more. She currently works as a part-time adjunct at Lewis University, while serving as the Co-Founder, Editor, and Creative Director of the upcoming project and publication Unwoven Literary Magazine. Madeline is a Co-Curator for Off the Page: Poetry Reimagined.
Sarah Peecher (she/her) is a poet living and working in Chicago. She was a Nathan Breitling Poetry Fellow and the recipient of an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia College Chicago. Her recent work appears in Allium: A Journal of Poetry & Prose, Bluestem, and Anti-Heroin Chic. She recently edited a food-themed zine dubbed Potluck. Along with collaborating with Madeline to bring Off the Page to life, she co-hosts Juxtapose, a podcast that emphasizes connections between the various forms of art.
Tanya León-Moreno is a career changer and an emerging writer in Chicago. She was an early childhood educator for ten years. Tanya is currently a Creative Writing MFA candidate at Columbia College Chicago. Her poetry explores gender identity and expectations as well as cultural identity.
Nancy Pochis Bank is a Chicago based painter and writer. For more than two decades, she has run the Pochis Bank Art Studio, a full-service studio creating custom art installations, murals and other artwork for unique locations, products and special events. Creating artwork under the name POCHIS, she is recipient of the multi-year Chicago Neighborhood Arts Program Grant. Pochis has provided fine art instruction to seniors and high school students. Her work has been exhibited in venues throughout the US, online and in publications.
(Image from left to right: Madeline McConico and Sarah Peecher.)
WMG Literary Events Curator
Jae Green has been part of the Woman Made Gallery community since its earliest years at our first location in Ravenswood Manor, on Chicago’s Northwest Side. A visual artist, writer, and published poet, she joined WMG’s Board of Directors in 2020 and serves on the Program Committee. In 2022, she co-juried Generations, WMG’s 30th anniversary exhibition, with Marisa Miles, now WMG’s Board President.