Wayne Johnston is the host of Hamilton’s very own Salon of the Refused — a gathering of local writer’s sharing their rejected works. Writers and supporters came out for the 3rd year to the Staircase Theatre (27 Dundurn St N Hamilton) on Saturday, March 21, 2026 – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Salon of the Refused is actually a series of literary events inspired by the 1863 Salon des Refusés. It is a celebration of writing that was initially rejected. It is also a celebration of marginalized communities who often feel rejected by mainstream society.
The authors presented works of poetry or prose that went unrecognized when first submitted to either a literary journal or competition, but whose power and beauty was evident to those in attendance. It was an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new friends, and to welcome new voices.
Who is Wayne Johnston and How did this event come to be?
Wayne Johnston is a librarian with a focus on research data management. Prior to his retirement in 2023 he worked for 19 years at the University of Guelph Library as a Research and Scholarship Librarian. His work experience also includes the United Nations in both New York City and Geneva, and projects in Ghana, Nepal, Bolivia, Croatia and Canada’s Arctic. Wayne teaches in the Research Management and Coordination Certificate.
(https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/ce/faculty/wayne-johnston)
Wayne’s wife, Jane Thorpe, was the event’s photographer. Photos available here: https://salonoftherefused.ca/
Featured Writers:
Poet, Lisa Borkavich (TPS)
Poet, Rebecca Clifford (TPS)
Poet, Darrell Epps
Prose, Vincent Kocznur
Poet, Larry Rosenberg (TPS)
Poet, Nicola Schneider
Prose, Brent van Staalduinen
Prose, Andrew F Sullivan
Prose, Jamie Tennant
Poet, John Terpstra
Poet, Elizabeth Tessier (TPS)
Poet, Ed Woods (TPS)
In addition to the Tower Poets who read, several were in attendance to lend their ears in support:
- Jennifer Tan
- Marilyn Sharp
- Fran Figge
- Norm Madill
- Sally Lee
Thank you!! And thank you to Wayne for organizing the event & to the Staircase & to anyone who supported us.