Submissions Open for the Walking Chapbook Poetry Project
Ellensburg Poet Laureate invites participation in her culminating community project
ELLENSBURG, Wash. — The Ellensburg Arts Commission’s Poet Laureate Program is accepting submissions to the Walking Chapbook Project, a temporary public art installation on the theme of In the Spirit of UNITY. Anyone living in central Washington may submit a poem. Poems chosen will be featured on storefront windows in downtown Ellensburg during National Poetry Month in April 2024. Entries should be family-friendly and inspire hope and positivity. A walking launch will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. Submission guidelines may be found on the City’s Poet Laureate webpage.
“My vision for this project is to feature some inspiring poems about unity for people to read while enjoying the downtown area,” says Marchand, who began her term as Ellensburg’s inaugural Poet Laureate in June 2022. “Our poetry friends in Yakima, Wenatchee, and other Central Washington cities have been supportive of the Ellensburg Poet Laureate Program, so we’re extending an invitation for them to submit to this project, as well.”
The In Spirit of UNITY theme is part of the City of Ellensburg’s celebration of the addition of Unity Park in Ellensburg’s historic downtown on the corner of 4th and Pearl Street. Construction is expected to begin in early spring of 2024.
During her term, which concludes at the end of June 2024, Marchand has organized dozens of events to lift up poetry for people of all ages and backgrounds. Events have included multiple poetry nature walks and poetry open mic nights. She has also composed poems for choral performance groups including Vox Humana and the CWU Chamber Choir. In April 2023, the Ellensburg City Poem, “This Valley, Our Cradle” was unveiled in a community celebration at City Hall.
“I am proud to be the first Poet Laureate of Ellensburg,” says Marchand. “This unique program has brought the healing art of poetry to many people.”
Deadline to submit entries is December 31, 2023. Contact Kelle Vandenberg for more information at (509) 962-7149 or vandenbergk@ellensburgwa.gov.
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