(InEDC) BY Jordan Hyatt-Miller 08/10/23 9:36 AM PST
August 10, 2023 (Placerville, CA) – Arts and Culture El Dorado recently announced its new Poet Laureate for 2023-2025. Stephen Meadows is a Californian poet with roots in the Ohlone and the pioneer soil of his home state. As a descendant of native peoples who built the Carmel Mission, Gold Rush families who settled in the gold country of the foothills, and a farm family in Carmel Valley, his poems are steeped in the indelible aura of California.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected!” Stephen noted. “Since my mother’s family was part of the Gold Rush, I have been connected to the area’s history for many years. Becoming Poet Laureate was unexpected and gave me pride and a feeling of great accomplishment.”
Stephen has published poems in anthologies and collections nationwide, and his poem “For the Living” can be found on a bronze plaque along the Embarcadero on San Francisco’s waterfront along with other famous poets. He will represent diverse, vital elements of our community as he serves as an ambassador for the literary arts at events throughout El Dorado County.
The El Dorado County Poet Laureate post is bestowed on a noted local poet to honor their body of work and to celebrate poetry as an art form. Consideration is given to the caliber of work, engagement with poets and writers in the community, and the critical acclaim the work has garnered.
The post entails a two-year term beginning in July. The term includes the composition of several “occasional poems” per year, to be presented or read at public events; creation and implementation of the Poet Laureate’s own unique Poetry Project as a public benefit; participation in public readings at libraries in all five El Dorado County supervisorial districts on the Laureate Trail; and a commitment to participate in El Dorado County’s Poetry Out Loud programs for high school students.
The Laureate Trail allows the public to join the El Dorado County Poet Laureate on a literary tour of the County. Local poets, Poetry Out Loud winners, and special guests join the Laureate at El Dorado County libraries in each district in the County for free poetry readings, workshops, and open mics.
“The Poet Laureate program allows us to celebrate local poets whose literary excellence is matched only by the generosity of their spirit and their commitment to their community,” said Program Coordinator Jordan Hyatt-Miller. “Stephen Meadows embodies those qualities. As a Georgetown resident with Ohlone heritage, he will serve as an ambassador for the literary arts at events throughout El Dorado County.”
Stephen’s first public event as El Dorado County Poet Laureate will be held on Friday, September 8, from 3-5 pm at the Placerville Public Library, where he will read alongside Lee Herrick, the new California Poet Laureate.
On Saturday, September 9, at 1 pm, the Georgetown Library will hold an event celebrating Stephen with poetry readings, book signings, refreshments, and an open mic. The public is invited to attend.
To learn more about the Poet Laureate and poetry projects, visit https://artsandcultureeldorado.org/poet-laureate.
Arts and Culture El Dorado is a catalyst for good works throughout the region, serving as the State-Local Partner to the California Arts Council and providing targeted programs and services. It also curates a vibrant gallery exhibition series and focuses on initiatives that support and sustain the region’s cultural life. Founded in 1984 as El Dorado Arts Council, the organization offers programs for veterans and students, families and young people, artists and arts organizations, and residents and visitors to the region. Tax-deductible charitable donations may be made at https://artsandcultureeldorado.org.
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