James Dean is the legendary hero with a legendary story; live fast and die young. For over half a century, he has captured the world with his casual style, unflinching look and rebel attitude. James Dean has defined the essence of cool and without-a-cause for generations. His star continues to shine brighter and brighter.
Never has there ever been, never will there ever be. The one, the only, James Dean.
James Dean read this book... Now, will you?
08/08/12
In 1955 a young actor by the name of James Dean sat at his Aunt's kitchen table in Fairmount, Indiana reading a book of poetry by the Hoosier Poet, James Whitcomb Riley. In fact, James Dean liked poetry, and his favorite poet was none other than James Whitcomb Riley. Other pictures of Dean in this same series, taken by famed Magnum Photographer, Dennis Stock, appeared in Life magazine. And it was the image of Dean "Reading Riley" that will launch a photography contest for the Hoosier Poet.
"Who is Reading Riley Today?" Is a photography contest sponsored by the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home in Greenfield, Indiana. The idea is to get a book of Riley poetry and have other "famous" or "well-noted" individuals pose with the book. Who can you get to "Read Riley?" For details of the competition, go to the Riley Boyhood Home website at www.jwrileyhome.org. A photo gallery for submission is up and running, and these photos will also be shared on the Riley Boyhood Home's Facebook page - be sure to like it to get an update on whose picture has been submitted.
There are actually three phases to this contest: submit your photo, vote for your favorite photo (you and your friends), and then find out who are the top ten people "Reading Riley" today - based on popular vote. Photo submissions will be accepted from now until September 15, 2012. Voting for the top ten coolest people "Reading Riley" will begin on September 17, 2012 with the winners to be announced during the Riley Festival in Greenfield on October 4-7, 2012. The person who submits the photo with the most votes will get four adult passes to the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home, and an edition of Riley's complete works.
One of your questions might be who is considered "famous" or "well-noted?" This could be anyone who is known by many people - a principal of a school, a person in a political office, the head of a university, a significant business person, a TV or radio personality, a college or professional athlete, a musician, a singer, an actor, a comedian - anyone who could be recognized by several people.
Another question you might have - - Do I have to use a certain book of Riley poetry? And where do I get one? The only requirement that we ask is that Riley's name appear clearly on the cover, and it should be a book of his poetry - not a book about him. Some people have a book of Riley's poetry at home. You can borrow a book from the library. You can buy his books online, or visit the Riley home in Greenfield - - we have several editions for sale.
Hurry and make your submissions now - - Who can you get to "Read Riley?"