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Vashon Poet Laureate

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

The Vashon Poet Laureate Program lives at the intersection of creativity and connection. Guided by Open Space for Arts & Community — an irrepressible force of collaboration and expression — the program honors a local poet who serves as a creative ambassador for Vashon, using language to illuminate, connect, and inspire.

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More than a title, the Poet Laureate embodies the spirit of YES! — uplifting community voices, telling our shared stories, and transforming everyday moments into art through words, performance, and presence.

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Meet Our Current Poets

Iris Dawn Spring

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Iris is a born and raised, multi-generational Vashon Islander. She has facilitated local poetry gatherings and workshops since returning home to the island in 2017, guided by the understanding that poetry is for everyone. She firmly believes in the power of poetry as a force for social cohesion, and as a catalyst for positive change in this crazy world.

C. Hunter Davis

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(Carey) Hunter Davis is honored to follow great Island poets as Laureate with Iris. Hunter looks forward to maintaining and enriching Vashon as a welcoming environment for established and beginning poets.


She herself has four current poetry collections published, including the recent one, Beauty. Her practice begins at 5AM on this magical Island in the Salish Sea where she has lived most of her days in a former schoolhouse

with her dobro playing partner.

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Help us find our next Poet Laureate

Submissions for Poet Laureate are currently closed. Now is a perfect time to start considering whether you or someone you know should apply! Be sure to check back when our application window opens.


Application window opens: March, 2027

PURPOSE

  • Recognize and celebrate Vashon’s poets

  • Deepen belonging through storytelling, performance, and creative exchange

  • Make poetry accessible across generations, identities, and lived experiences

  • Honor and preserve Vashon’s unique creative and cultural voice

  • Strengthen the unbreakable bond between arts and community

COMPENSATION & SUPPORT

When funding allows, the Poet Laureate may receive:

  • A modest $500 honorarium

  • Access to space, technical support, and promotion

TERM & STRUCTURE

  • Two-year appointment

  • Selected by a small advisory panel of artists and community members

  • Supported, promoted, and administered by Open Space for Arts & Community

ROLE & ACTIVITIES

The Vashon Poet Laureate is encouraged to:

  • Participate in 2+ public poetry readings or performances each year of their term

  • Represent Vashon poetry at local gatherings and special events

  • Create at least one original, place-inspired poem during their term

  • Collaborate with Open Space on a signature yearly poetry offering

WHO CAN APPLY /
BE NOMINATED

  • Must be a Vashon resident or deeply connected to the Vashon community

  • Open to poets of all backgrounds, styles, identities, and experience levels

  • Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcomed and celebrated

POET LAUREATE ADVISORY PANEL

  • A small group of artists and community members

  • Finalists may be invited to an interview. The selected poet will be announced through Open Space’s newsletter, website, and partner channels.

  • Review of Applications will begin on 3/16/26

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