7 Poets Battle for the Esteemed Sedona Poet Laureate Title

On April 16, Community Library Sedona held its second poetry reading event, continuing the competition for the title of Sedona Poet Laureate. The event featured performances from finalists, including poets Martha Entin, Gary Every, Clint Frakes, Camille LeFevre, and Tee Pace. Youth Poet Laureate finalists Felicia Elisabeth Grace Foldes and Anya Blue Lior also took to the stage.

Nancy Lattanzi, Sedona’s Arts and Culture Specialist, expressed her enthusiasm for the community turnout. “The first reading was a full house, highlighting the support for our local poets. It’s crucial to elevate the literary arts and make poetry accessible for all generations,” she noted. Lattanzi emphasized the power of poetry to foster community connections and celebrate diversity.

The finalists will perform again at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on April 21. The final performance is scheduled for April 28 at Tlaquepaque’s Patio de las Campanas, where attendees can enjoy the artistic displays at no cost.

Results will come after the final performance, with the highest-scoring poets from each category set to be appointed during the Sedona City Council meeting on May 13. A panel of local artists and educators will judge the performances.

The program will appoint both a senior and a junior poet laureate for a two-year term, acting as ambassadors for poetry. Their responsibilities include public readings, composing civic poems, and conducting workshops for students. The Poet Laureate will receive a $2,000 stipend, while the Youth Poet Laureate will gain the opportunity to have their work published in the National Youth Poet Laureate anthology.

Martha Entin, a Canadian native with a master’s in counseling psychology, combines poetry and photography in her works. She has performed at various Sedona events and has been teaching creative writing at OLLI Yavapai College for over a decade.

Gary Every is a prominent figure in the poetry scene, having hosted the “Poetry and Prose Project” for eight years. He aims to convey the beauty of the universe through his poems, weaving complex emotions into his work.

Clint Frakes has gained recognition since 1987, with over 100 published works. He plans to use the laureate position to represent the community and promote the arts widely.

Camille LeFevre is noted for her focus on memory and nature in her writings. Her achievements include nominations for prestigious writing awards, and she is excited about the prospect of making poetry a public celebration.

Tee Pace draws inspiration from her life experiences and seeks to blend her love for teaching with her passion for poetry.

Local talent includes Felicia Elisabeth Grace Foldes, a Yavapai College student, who has been recognized in poetry competitions. Her work aims to inspire deeper appreciation for Sedona’s natural beauty.

Anya Blue Lior, a sophomore at Verde Valley School, finds freedom in poetry that differs from the constraints of standard essays. Her approach celebrates self-expression and the artistic process.