GVSU Arts Celebration to present renowned artists and performers at free public events

Appearance: Poet Craig Santos Perez will share his work from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE.

About: Craig Santos Perez is an Indigenous Chamoru from the Pacific Island of Guam who is an award-winning poet, editor, essayist, critic, environmentalist and political activist. He is an important voice in eco-poetics. "The core of my work explores how poetry offers insight into culture, politics, history, and the environment," Perez said. "I hope audiences will be moved to reflect upon their identities and connection to the world."

W. Todd Kaneko, poet and associate professor of writing, said that Perez will appear at Poetry Night for a poetry reading and conversation, as well as for the 2026 GVSU Climate Change Education Solutions Summit happening the same week.

"At Poetry Night, the audience can expect to encounter his poems, his humor, his thoughtfulness, his passion for protecting our natural world and have a chance to meet and speak with him. GVSU is so lucky to be able to bring him to interact with our campus and local communities."