The Ellensburg Poet Laureate’s role is to enhance the presence and appreciation of poetry and the literary arts in Ellensburg. The Poet Laureate plays a crucial role in keeping the arts accessible and vital to all age groups and acts as a citywide emissary for poetry and creativity. The Poet Laureate will work with the Ellensburg Arts Commission (EAC) and other community organizations to raise awareness of poetry and the literary arts during their tenure. The Poet Laureate’s term of service is one year and is renewable annually for up to three years. 

2023 Poet Laureate

Marie Marchand is the first Poet Laureate of Ellensburg. Her poetry has been published in Crannóg Magazine, Catamaran Literary Reader, California Quarterly, Paterson Literary Review, Tiny Seed Journal, Tikkun Magazine, and The Awakenings Review. She has two books of poetry: Pink Sunset Luminaries (2018) and Gifts to the Attentive (Winter Goose Publishing, 2022). Her poetry has been recognized by the Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards, Wyoming Writers, Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest, and Eugene V. Shea Contest. Marie enjoys giving poetry readings and community workshops. Read her poetry at mishiepoet.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @mishiepoet. 

Read Marie’s poem “Witnesses of Dawn" recently published in Tikkun Magazine. The poem was composed for the Central Washington University Chamber Choir and performed at their December 2^nd candlelight concert: https://www.tikkun.org/witnesses/

Photo by Sami Jo Photo.