A Celebration of the Maine Poets Laureate | Poetry + Conversation

We invite you to a celebration with all of the Maine Poets Laureate for poetry, conversation & community. Book signing to follow.

The Maine Arts Commission in collaboration with Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance (MWPA), Freeport Folio, University of Maine at Augusta (UMA), current Maine State Poet Laureate, Julia Bouwsma & former Portland Poet Laureate, Maya Williams invite you to the first of its kind: Maine Poets Laureate Celebration. To be held on April 30, 2026, at Meeting House Arts in Freeport, Maine from 6:30-8 p.m.

The evening will begin with a candlelight ceremony remembering the poetry of Kate Barnes, Maine's first Poet Laureate (1996-1999) and Baron Wormser, Maine’s second Poet Laureate, (2000-2005). There will be a special reading of their work followed by a panel of Maine’s living, past, present and future Poets Laureate. We will hear readings from Besty Sholl, (2006-2010), Wes McNair (2011-2015), Stuart Kestenbaum (2016-2020) and Julia Bouwsma (2021-2026). With the possibility of meeting Maine’s forthcoming Poet Laureate who will be announced at the 2nd Annual Poetry Celebration on April 3rd at the Capital’s Hall of Flags from 1-4pm.

The Poets Laureate readings will be followed by a panel discussion led by Maine Arts Commission Executive Director, Amy Hausmann, with time for Q/A from the audience.

Poets' books will be on sale and available for signing as we connect and network with Maine’s poetry community, honoring the rich tradition of poets across the State.