Every month is some month — for example, February is National Bird-Feeding Month, July is National Ice Cream Month. This month, April, is National Poetry Month. Launched more than a quarter-century ago by the Academy of American Poets, it has become one of the largest literary celebrations in the world.

The portraits here are from my series The Cultural Landscape, which is focused on the talented and creative people who have made significant contributions to the art, character, and culture of this city and state. Two of these poets, Brian Ellis and Valerie Witte, are finalists for this year’s Oregon Book Award in Poetry; winners will be announced April 28.

Judith Barrington, 2024

Judith Barrington is a poet, memoirist, and educator. Her most recent book, Virginia’s Apple, is a collection of fourteen memoirs.

Brian S. Ellis, 2023

Sponsor

Brian S. Ellis is an award-winning poet, storyteller, and educator. He is the author of four collections of poetry. His latest collection is Against Common Sense. 

Genevieve DeGuzman, 2022

Genevieve DeGuzman is an award-winning poet and the co-founder of Night Owls Press.

Carlos Reyes, 2023

Carlos Reyes is a poet, publisher, and teacher. In 1971 he founded Trask House Books, a small independent press. His upcoming collection of poems is titled Wrestling the Mistral.

Sponsor

Valerie Witte, 2025

Valerie Witte is a poet and book editor. Her latest book is One Thing Follows Another.