Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

For Immediate Release:

Mayor Fiorentini Names Daniel Speers as May Artist of the Month

A First for Artist of the Month – a Haverhill Poet and Writer!
Mayor James J. Fiorentini today named Daniel Speers as May 2009 Artist of the Month. 

Dan Speers is former journalist, columnist, and author of computer program and application textbooks and of novels.  His novel, “Boxes Lie Waiting”, was recently named a quarterfinalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest this year.  He has recently published a new novel, “Master Spies Die Laughing” which was an entry is last year’s contest and has received many positive and critical reviews.  Dan is also known for his poetry and won the 2005 Tom Howard/John J. Reid Poetry Contest in 2005.  His first book-length collection of poetry is scheduled for publication in late May.  Dan is also the holder of many patents in instant photography and optical computing.

Mr. Speers, May’s Renaissance man, has donated a framed copy of his poem “A Hot Summer Night in Haverhill” to the City of Haverhill which is on display in the Mayor’s office along with other works by the artist.  This poem is about the Haverhill’s namesake and a cool spot in our city on a hot summer night!

Mayor Fiorentini stated:

“It is my great pleasure to announce that this month’s Artist of the Month is Dan Speers, a well-known poet and writer.  This is the first time we have chosen a writer as the artist of the month, but I recognize that creative gifts express themselves not only in the visual arts but also in the literary arts.  I encourage ALL artists to celebrate these living treasures ofHaverhill and I invite all to read Dan’s poetry and novels. ”

The Haverhill Artist of Month was created by Mayor Fiorentini to foster and profile Haverhill’s thriving art community. Haverhill artists interested in being considered for Artist of the Month can submit copies of their work and artist’s statement to the Mayor’s Office.

Mayor James J. Fiorentini and May Artist of Month, Dan Speers