Indiana Poet Laureate 2016 & 2017
I was honored to represent poetry in a state that has shaped my artistic vision in so many ways and given me such a wealth of subjects to explore. As Indiana Poet Laureate, I enjoyed traveling the length and breadth of the Hoosier state, promoting Indiana poets and fostering the writing and reading of poems in a variety of public settings--schools, parks, libraries, senior and veteran centers, and historic sites. It was exciting that Indiana's bicentennial and the centennial of its state parks occurred during my term, significant anniversaries I celebrated by emphasizing poetry's connection to history and nature.
Visit Through the Sycamores: Exploring the Hoosier Landscape with Indiana's Poet Laureate and my Facebook page to learn more about my laureate activities, read my features on Indiana poets, and to schedule a reading or workshop with your organization.
In honor of its 50th Anniversary, the Indiana Arts Commission asked me to write a poem celebrating the arts in Indiana, a piece that became this beautifully photographed video. Grace Milligan, the State Champion for Poetry Out Loud, reads my poem. Original music was composed by Timothy Carlos. Think Ahead Studios in Indianapolis produced the video.
|
|
White River Greenway, Hamilton County A good place to embark is a few miles north of Noblesville, near Potter's Covered Bridge. Winding past sycamores and hedge apples and other native trees, this trail offers scenic views in any season. The river runs just west of the path, and open fields lie to the east. Photographs by Shari Wagner |