The San Luis Obispo County Arts Council proudly announces the Inaugural Poet Laureate Reading, a special evening celebrating poetry, community and the power of words. Join them on Friday, January 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the historic Milking Parlor next to the Octagon Barn, as they gather to honor the voices that shape California’s literary landscape. The event will feature an exceptional lineup of poets, including:
● Lee Herrick, California’s 10th Poet Laureate, a writer and professor whose work bridges communities and inspires young voices. Herrick has served as Poet Laureate of Fresno and teaches at Fresno City College and the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe.
● Caleb Nichols, San Luis Obispo County’s inaugural Poet Laureate and the first openly queer poet to hold this role. Nichols is a versatile artist whose work spans poetry and music, with notable publications in New England Review and 14 Poems.
● Kevin Clark, San Luis Obispo County’s outgoing Poet Laureate, celebrated for his impactful career, including three poetry collections such as The Consecrations and contributions to The Southern Review and Ploughshares.
● MT Vallarta, an award-winning poet and professor, acclaimed for their book What You Refuse to Remember. Vallarta’s work explores themes of identity and belonging, earning accolades from Kundíman and the Rowan Foundation.
This event is hosted by the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, which has administered the Poet Laureate program since 1999. The Poet Laureate is the county’s most eminent poet, selected by a committee of distinguished community leaders for their expertise in education, poetry, civic engagement and the literary arts.
Event Details:
What: Inaugural Poet Laureate Reading
When: Friday, January 24, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Where: The Milking Parlor, next to the Octagon Barn, San Luis Obispo, CA
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit slocountyarts.org.