Tireless Poetry Traveler
Paulann Petersen, Oregon’s poet laureate, has been on the road for nearly two weeks, traversing the state in an effort to visit as many communities during her tenure as possible.
Petersen was appointed to a two-year term by Governor Kulongoski in April 2010. Oregon Humanities coordinates this program as part of a unique collaboration with the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Historical Society, and the State Historic Preservation Office, with funding from the Oregon Cultural Trust.
Wherever Petersen goes, people rave about her—her work, her personable presentation style, and her dedication to sharing poetry. Someone in Astoria wrote, “She has a warm, open demeanor that really captivated the audience.” A man in Newport remarked, after one of Paulann’s workshops, “She has a wonderful way with making people at ease with the creative process.”
Petersen has given nearly one hundred readings, workshops, and other presentations since her appointment, and is more than happy to travel the state to give more. If you would like to invite her to your town, please submit an appearance-request form, which is available from the Oregon Poet Laureate website.
Commentary
I just listened to the re-broadcast on Think Out Loud with Oregon’s Poet Laureate, Paulann Petersen. Cerimon House (http://www.cerimonhouse.org) is presenting a poetry salon, LIFELINES, at Stonehenge Studio in Portland, on Sunday June 26 at 7PM. The LIFELINES project was conceived by Irish high-school students who wanted to do something to help starving people in developing countries. They wrote to famous people asking them to name their favorite poem and why. They published the response and the poem and eventually published four hugely successful volumes of poetry—all the proceeds going to help famine victims.
I am directing a wonderful group of Portland actors in a selection of poems from LIFELINES, accompanied by Celtic Harp. Details on our website: http://www.cerimonhouse.com
Gemma Whelan | 14 Jun at 09:14 AM
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