The Maine Arts Commission, in collaboration with the 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 a Maine Poets Laureate Celebration. The event will  be held on April 30, 2026, at Meeting House Arts in Freeport, Maine from 6:30-8 p.m. Doors open at 6 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 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.  The 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 from Kelly’s Books to Go and available for signing as we connect and network with Maine’s poetry community, honoring the rich tradition of poets across the state. Special thanks to our Event Sponsor, Kennebec Savings Bank.