Like astronauts or living U.S. presidents, poet laureates are a pretty exclusive club. There aren’t that many of them, by nature of the job description—to serve as ambassadors for poetry and literature in their city, state, or nation.
On Saturday, October 11, from 1:00-5:00 pm at the Hylton Center for the Performing Arts at George Mason University’s Science and Technology campus, in Manassas, VA, more than 20 current and former poets laureate from Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia will gather to celebrate American poetry for “In the Company of Laureates.”
The event is free and open to the public.
J.K. Daniels and LeeAnn Thomas will serve as emcees. Poet Laureates on-hand will include JoAnn Balingit (Poet Laureate of Delaware); Marc Harshman (Poet Laureate of West Virginia); Ron Smith (Poet Laureate of Virginia); and of course Shelby Stephenson, current Poet Laureate of North Carolina.
The day includes panels, presentations, and workshops, including a panel for veterans, “Words on War,” with Dr. Frederick Foote, Bill Glose, Jim Mathews, and Claudia Gary (moderator).
For a complete list of the laureates who will be in attendance, and a schedule of events, click here.