The Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest is an annual event that welcomes entries from around the world to our artistic community in SE Minnesota – Winona. The contest originated as an extension of the Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF), founded in 2004.
In 2012, the contest was renamed in memory of Maria W. Faust: a Winona State University graduate in Communications; a twenty-year resident of Winona; an avid supporter of varied local arts; and a lover of poetry. Maria’s husband, Ted Haaland, took over directorship of the contest and, under his leadership, the contest grew to reach poets from around the world.
In 2021, entries were submitted from 10 countries and 35 U.S. states. Prizes totaling up to $3,500 are awarded each year in the following categories: Top Four, Regional, Youth, and Laureates’ Choice. The entry period runs from January to June 1 and winners are announced in early August.