Program Overview
The Washington State Poet Laureate serves to build awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. The appointed poet laureate serves a two-year term.
In April 2007, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill that recognized the value of poetry to the culture and heritage of the state by establishing the Washington State Poet Laureate. The poet laureate is sponsored by Humanities Washington and ArtsWA, with the support of Gov. Jay Inslee. The position is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities Washington. Poets can self-nominate every two years through an application process.
About Tod Marshall
The current poet laureate is Tod Marshall, who assumed the role February 1, 2016.
Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won the Washington State Book Award in 2015. He is also the author of two previous collections, Dare Say (2002) and The Tangled Line (2009), and a collection of interviews with contemporary poets, Range of the Possible (2002). He succeeds poets Elizabeth Austen (2014-2016), Kathleen Flenniken (2012–2014), and Sam Green (2007–2009). Learn more about past laureates here.
Read Marshall’s blog at wapoetlaureate.org, and follow him on Facebook and Twitter. To get in touch with Marshall or book him for a workshop or presentation, email poet@humanities.org
Upcoming Events
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 6:30 pm, Wednesday
September 27, 2017 - Where
- Jefferson County Library
620 Cedar Ave
Port Hadlock, WA 98339 United States
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 12:35 pm, Thursday
September 28, 2017 - Where
- Peninsula College
1502 E Lauridsen Blvd
Port Angeles, WA 98362 United States
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 7:00 pm, Monday
October 2, 2017 - Where
- Asotin County Library
417 Sycamore St.
Clarkston, Washington 99403 United States
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 7:00 pm, Thursday
October 12, 2017 - Where
- Angst Gallery
1015 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98660 United States
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 6:30 pm, Thursday
October 19, 2017 - Where
- Wenatchee Library
310 Douglas St
Wenatchee, WA 98801 United States
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 2:00 pm, Saturday
October 21, 2017 - Where
- Seatac Community Center
13735 24th Ave S.
Seatac, WA 98168 United States
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 2:00 pm, Monday
November 20, 2017 - Where
- Waterville Public Library
105 N Chelan Street
Waterville, WA 98858 United States
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 3:00 pm, Sunday
November 26, 2017 - Where
- Shadle Library
2111 W. Wellesley
Spokane, WA 99205 United States