U.P. Poet Laureate crowned

The first ever U.P. Poet Laureate was crowned Wednesday night at the Vista Theater in Negaunee.

The literary powerhouse event featured readings from the five finalists and performances by local actors using their work as scripts.

Following last year’s visit from the U.S. Poet Laureate, the Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council reached out to hundreds of librarians, authors and bookstore owners in the U.P. to nominate their choice for the U.P. Poet Laureate.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the outstanding five finalists that the selection was made from,” Janeen Rastall from the Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council said.  “And also to give an opportunity for the U.P. Poet Laureate to reach out to children in schools and people in bars and restaurants and other unusual locations, and speak to them as the U.P. Poet Laureate.”

Elinor Benedict was honored as the runner up to the 2013 U.P. Poet Laureate, Russell Thorburn.  Russell will carry the title for the next two years until a new poet is crowned.

If you would like to submit a poem for consideration, you can do so on their webpage at www.marquettepoetscircle.wordpress.com.