Editor,
Kate Buckley, Laguna’s first (and possibly final) poet laureate, finishes her year-long term at the end of this National Poetry Month. During her appointment, she organized a series of readings of her own work, either alone or with poets she selected, including one who was the sole juror in March 2017 that recommended her as the only finalist for poet laureate—a clear conflict of interest that may or may not be resolved with this year’s laureate appointments.
By passing over the application of John Gardiner, Laguna’s beloved longtime resident poet, teacher and actor, the city’s Arts Commission and City Council inadvertently cast a shadow over the laureate program’s inaugural year by inspiring public protest over the flawed selection process. John tragically died before he could consider applying again.
According to the city position description, one of the laureate’s official responsibilities is to “lead and coordinate one festival-style event…with the specific goal of increasing awareness and appreciation of the literary arts in Laguna Beach.” As envisioned by Buckley, this year’s library event featured readings, craft talks and panel discussions by many of her previously showcased writers (including the juror). The local voices of Laguna Poets and Third Street Writers were allotted 30 minutes each.
While it met city requirements, this event could have done more to increase public appreciation. A true literary “feast” would celebrate books and written or spoken language in all its forms–from poetry to prose, memoir to fiction and scripts to songs as well as visual work such as blackout poetry, six-word stories, flash fiction, dance and word art. Like the diverse, collaborative creators it would celebrate, an effective community-centered festival would be noisy, messy, joyous and, most of all, inclusive. Most significant for the city’s laureate program, which is funded by Laguna’s lodging establishments, this kind of #LitFest, like the visual and performing arts festivals, would attract tourism.
To achieve this, Laguna’s cultural arts vision needs to expand beyond library walls into our public space, creating a true bookish gathering similar to Bloomsday, Dublin’s madcap, marvelous national literary holiday honoring not only James Joyce’s novel, “Ulysses,” but also the spirit of wordplay, drama, music, art and poetry. Want to help spark a movement? Contact me at [email protected].
Ellen Girardeau Kempler, Laguna Beach
The author’s “Thirty Views of a Changing World: Haiku + Photos”was published in 2017. She will lead a free “Om of Writing” workshop at the library in May.
It’s been my great honor to serve as Laguna Beach’s inaugural poet laureate, working as a brand ambassador for poetry and the literary arts in Laguna Beach. My platform included educating and inspiring residents and visitors to read, write and engage with the written word, and to demonstrate how poetry and the literary arts immeasurably enrich our lives, our community, and provide a more nuanced filter through which to view reality.
I welcome feedback from those who have attended my events, unfortunately, to my knowledge, Ms. Kempler did not attend a single class, workshop, panel or reading, let alone the literary festival referenced in her letter. As Poet Laureate, I made it my mission to bring as much value and awareness as possible to the community of Laguna Beach. As such, I’d like to point out several factual inaccuracies in Ms. Kempler’s letter:
1.) I had never met jurist Grant Hier before my appointment to the poet laureate position. I was chosen solely on my merits. I invite the public to review my C.V. at: http://www.katebuckley.com/curriculum-vitae.html
2.) Apart from creating and teaching classes and workshops, one of the highlights of my tenure was the creation of my Poet Laureate Showcase Series which brought nationally acclaimed poets and writers to Laguna Beach. And, yes, one of them happened to be former jurist Grant Hier, who is an extremely talented, award-winning poet who was just named Poet Laureate of Anaheim.
3.) The City mandated that the literary festival be held at the Laguna Beach Library. I had no input in the decision. I do think if Ms. Kempler had attended, she would have found the event to be delightful in every way and the venue more than sufficient.
4.) Ms. Kempler applied for the poet laureate position, and was not chosen as a finalist. It was an appropriately rigorous process involving not only academic and literary credentials, but presentation of platform and public speaking skills.
I was honored to serve in this position and am proud of creating a platform that I hope endures long after my tenure ends, and proves of lasting benefit to future laureates and the people of Laguna Beach. I wish my successor, and all future laureates, every success. Laguna Beach deserves nothing less.
Onward!
Kate