Celebrating Anya Blue Lior and Gary Every: Sedona’s Inspiring New Poets Laureate

On May 13, the Sedona City Council officially named Gary Every as the Poet Laureate and Anya Blue Lior as the Youth Poet Laureate, marking a significant milestone for the community.

The initiative to create these roles began two years ago, driven by local poet Rex Arrasmith and Community Library Sedona’s Executive Director Judy Poe. Together with Sedona Arts and Culture Coordinator Nancy Lattanzi, they advocated for a comprehensive selection process.

Although progress was delayed, the council endorsed the proposal in January. A selection committee formed, featuring Arrasmith, Poe, Lattanzi, Sedona Finance Director Barbara Whitehorn, and other local poets, met in February to define selection parameters.

To ensure inclusivity, the committee expanded eligibility beyond Sedona residents to students in the Sedona-Oak Creek School District, allowing for broader community representation. Candidates were invited to submit ten pages of poetry, with submissions anonymized by CLS Assistant Director Tasha Spuches to maintain objectivity.

Submissions were evaluated in a blind judging process. During a March committee meeting, judges independently selected five finalists: Martha Entin, Gary Every, Clint Frakes, Camille LeFevre, and Tee Pace. Though only two candidates applied for the Youth Poet Laureate position—Felicia Elisabeth Grace Foldes and Anya Blue Lior—both were deemed worthy of recognition.

The finalists showcased their work at a series of public readings, beginning with the Moment of Art on April 8, followed by events at the Community Library and Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Judges, including Sedona City Council members, assessed performances over three rounds, culminating in a final round at Tlaquepaque.

After thorough evaluations, Every and Lior emerged as leading candidates. The atmosphere was celebratory, with the ceremonial crowning involving laurel wreaths, a whimsical touch that emphasized the significance of the occasion.

Every has been a prominent figure in Sedona’s poetry scene for two decades, known for his engaging, conversational style. His diverse thematic range reflects the flexibility required for the Poet Laureate role. He continues to promote poetry through local events and radio.

Menwhile, Lior, new to the local scene yet connected through her family’s former coffee shop, Java Love Café, impressed judges with her performances. Her personal narratives reveal a promising voice in youth poetry.

This appointment not only celebrates the artistry of poetry but also aims to foster community engagement and encourage expression through this literary form.

Residents of Sedona can look forward to the cultural contributions of these two poets, who now serve as official representatives of the city’s vibrant artistic landscape.