Who We Are

We are a non-profit literary organization based in Evanston, Illinois, with a central-Illinois presence in Normal, Illinois. We are primarily devoted to the publication of RHINO, an annual journal featuring high-quality, diverse poetry, short/shorts and translations. We also foster a community of writers by presenting readings and workshops both in Evanston and in Normal and awarding cash prizes to poets through two annual programs. We are a proud contributor to the vitality of Illinois’ literary community.

The Poetry Forum, Inc. was founded in 1976 as a poetry workshop, and RHINO was started as an outlet for the work of members of The Poetry Forum. Since then, it has become a regionally and nationally recognized annual collection of literature by new and established writers. RHINO occupies a niche somewhere between academia and the emerging Chicago poetry scene – devoted to printing work that tells stories, provokes thought, and pushes the boundaries in form and feeling – while connecting with an audience.

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Awards and Recognitions

We have received seven Literary Awards from the Illinois Arts Council in the past four years and have been cited in Literary Magazine Review as “an ambitious and high quality magazine. . .a journal that will reward the attention and the support of the most discriminating readers of poetry.”
Additionally, Yusef Komunyakaa selected a RHINO 2002 poem – “Skin” by poet Susan Dickman – for publication in The Best American Poetry 2003. In 2006, Billy Collins selected Daniel Gutstein's "Monsieur Pierre Est Mort" (RHINO 2005) for The Best American Poetry 2006.

Other bodies awarding grants to RHINO include the Evanston Arts Council and the Town of Normal Harmon Arts Grant.

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What We Look For

Our diverse group of editors looks for the very best in contemporary writing, and we have created a dynamic process of soliciting and reading new work by local, national, and international writers. We look for idiosyncratic, rigorous, lively, passionate, and funny work.

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Affiliations

We are fortunate to have fruitful, ongoing collaborations with many organizations, including the Evanston Public Library, the Normal Public Library, the Evanston Arts Center, Woman Made Gallery, and the Suburban Fine Arts Center – all of whom support us by donating space for readings and workshops.

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SUPPORT US

We have always coupled large literary ambitions with a shoestring budget, as all editorial work is donated. We currently have 12 volunteers actively engaged in producing our annual magazine and presenting readings and workshops. Help us continue to contribute to the vitality of Illinois’ literary community by donating or subscribing today!

Click here to donate on-line.
Or, send a check or money order to:

RHINO: The Poetry Forum, Inc.
P.O. Box 591
Evanston, IL 60204