Vallejo seeks a new Poet Laureate

VALLEJO — Vallejo is taking applications for a new Poet Laureate to promote the influence of poetry and enrich the lives of Vallejoans by sharing and encouraging the gift of poetry. 

The Poet Laureate is chosen by the arts nonprofit the Vallejo Center for the Arts and then appointed by the city. They organize and lead poetry activities and events, attend area literary events, and perform at government, civic and school events. The Poet Laureate will also join the committee in the search for a successor at the end of the term. 

Outgoing Poet Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne, who is serving a dual role with co-Poet Laureate Kathleen Herrmann, said that serving the community as Poet Laureate has been a transformative journey and a rewarding chapter of her life. 

“It provided the opportunity to support youth by creating spaces to introduce poetry and to work with the community to foster poetic dialogue and expression,” Evyonne said. “I would encourage anyone who wants to expand their voice and touch others with their words to apply.”

D.L. Lang, Vallejo’s second poet laureate in 2017-2019, said that even if a poet has been rejected previously, “it’s never too late” because “we are all growing as artists.”. 

“Being poet laureate is a great opportunity to serve our diverse community and build unity through art,” Lang said. “While you will definitely feel like a star from all the positive attention, the real secret of being a laureate is sharing that spotlight and knowledge with others so that they can reach their fullest potential.” 

The position of Vallejo Poet Laureate was established in 2015 after persistent advocacy by Dr. Genea S. Brice, who served as Vallejo’s first poet laureate from 2015-2017.

Jeremy Snyder held the longest term as Vallejo Poet Laureate. He was installed on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020. His term was extended through 2023 to give him time to enjoy in-person events after the record-setting number of open mic poetry Zoom sessions during the pandemic. 

Eyvonne and Herrmann hold an unusual dual role as co-poet laureates. Lang, who was a selection committee member for the 2024-2025 poet laureate term, said that both women aced their auditions. 

“There was a moment between their interviews that our two top candidates hugged one another and cheerfully wished each other well no matter the outcome,” she said. “We could all see they had a positive connection which will serve Vallejo well.

The application is available at www.vallejoarts.org and paper copies are available at the John F. Kennedy Library and Alibi Bookshop. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31.