City of Olympia, WA

04/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/08/2026 12:18

04/07/2026 - Upcoming Poet Laureate Events

Poet Janée J. Baugher in Olympia
Workshop & Poetry Reading

A Project of the Olympia Poet Laureate Program
Generative Writing Workshop: Ekphrastic Writing
Poet and writing instructor Janée J. Baugher, author of The Ekphrastic Writer: Creating Art-Influenced Poetry, will lead a creative workshop exploring how visual art can inspire poetry and storytelling. Baugher is currently touring for her newly released, award-winning poetry collection The Andrew Wyeth Chronicles (Tupelo Press, Feb. 2026).

In this class you'll learn techniques for deeply engaging with artwork and transforming those observations into poems or prose. Artwork will be provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own. All experience levels welcome.
  • Sat, Apr 18, 3:30-5:00 PM
  • The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St NW
  • No registration required - just mark your calendar and join us!
  • Learn more: JaneeBaugher.com
Poetry Reading & Open Mic
Bring a poem to share during the open mic, or come listen, enjoy the readings, and grab a bite from Soul Café.
  • Featuring Janée J. Baugher and Olympia Poet Laureate Ocean
  • Hosted by the Olympia Poetry Network
  • Traditions / Soul Café, 300 5th Ave SW
  • Sat, Apr 18, 6:00-7:30 PM
For more information, contact [email protected]
To learn more about Olympia's Poet Laureate program, visit olympiawa.gov/poetlaureate

Crowdsourced Poetry!

Hosted by Ocean, Olympia's Poet Laureate
Come to Orca Books for an evening of crowdsourced poetry! Bring a favorite poem from a favorite poet, grab the mic and share it with the group! Together we will have fun and expose each other to new poets~~
  • Free and open to poetry lovers of all ages. No registration required.
  • April 27th 6:30-8:00pm.
  • Orca Books, 315 5th Ave SE
For more information, contact [email protected]
To learn more about Olympia's Poet Laureate program, visit olympiawa.gov/poetlaureate
Contact
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manger
Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
360.709.2678
[email protected]
City of Olympia, WA published this content on April 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 08, 2026 at 18:18 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]