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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, September 27th at 7:00 p.m.    Morning Rotary Club's Literacy Committee Celebration          Kittitas County Historical Museum

Thursday, October 5th at 5:30 p.m.            Poetry Open Mic Night                                 NuWave Gallery/Fortuity Cellars

An evening of all-ages poetry! Sign-up begins at 5:15 pm. Readers have up to four minutes each.

Saturday, October 21st at 10 a.m.                  Autumn Odes: Poetry Nature Walk at Snow Mountain Ranch             

Hosted by Cowiche Canyon Conservancy                                                                                                                                                     Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-walk-with-marie-marchand-tickets-726973295697 

(Max 20 participants)