Celebrating Our 2026 Snowbound Writers’ Contest Winners!

The results are in! The Auburn Arts Commission is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Snowbound Writers’ Contest. This year, we received incredible entries from talented writers across DeKalb County, showcasing the depth of literary talent in our own backyard.

Please join us in congratulating this year's honorees:

Poetry Category

• First Place: Kevin Kimpel – "Three Million Gone"

• Second Place: Jason A. Hendricks – "Nina Simone"

• Third Place: Penny Mettert – "New Morn"

Short Story Category

• First Place: Eric Peeper – "Magnificent Desolation"

• Second Place: Laura Grosjean – "Welcome to Dystopia"

• Third Place: Jason A. Hendricks – "The 10 Cent Cafe"

The Auburn Arts Commission 2026 Snowbound Writers Contest winners pose following the May reception at Eckhart Public Library. From left to right: Eric Peeper (First Place in Short Story), Jason A. Hendricks (Third Place in Short Story and Second Place in Poetry), Laura Grosjean (Second Place in Short Story), and Kevin Kimpel (First Place in Poetry). Not pictured is Penny Mettert (Third Place in Poetry). Photo courtesy of Nicki Hendricks.

A Note of Thanks

This contest wouldn’t be possible without our esteemed judges. We extend our deepest gratitude to Corey McMaken of the Journal Gazette and Rebecca Green of NIPR/WBOI for lending their expertise and time to review this year's submissions.

Since 1994, the Auburn Arts Commission has been proud to sponsor this annual tradition. We remain committed to fostering creativity through our five key pillars: fine art, writing, music, drama, and theater.

Congratulations again to all our winners!