Mayor Greg Wheeler Selects Tia Hudson as City of Bremerton's First Poet Laureate

In recognition of Poetry Month in April, Mayor Greg Wheeler announced the selection of Tia Hudson as the City of Bremerton's first Poet Laureate at the Wednesday, April 3 City Council meeting at the Norm Dicks Government Center.

Hudson has a background of writing poetry and her work has been published in several regional publications, including Poets on the Coast Anthology and Ars Poetica. Hudson's profession also incorporates a love of the literary word: she is a currently a full-time English professor at Olympic College where she teaches creative writing and English Composition. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Pacific Lutheran University and a BA in English Literature/General Studies from Portland State University. As a Bremerton resident since the 1990s, she is passionate about the City and promoting the literary arts in the community.

"I'm am very honored to be named as first Poet Laureate for the City of Bremerton. I want to inspire young people and residents to participate and enjoy poetry about our City. This program celebrates the diversity and creativity we have in our community and I'm so proud to be part of this program," said Tia Hudson, City of Bremerton's first Poet Laureate.

"Tia Hudson is one of several talented poets that we have in our community, and I know her experience and ability will enrich the program. Tia brings a passion for Bremerton and an outstanding background to the new position. I look forward to the ideas and creativity she will bring as our City's first Poet Laureate," said Mayor Wheeler.

The City of Bremerton's Poet Laureate program launched this year as part of Mayor Wheeler's 2019 Arts Initiatives. The Poet Laureate will create and perform original poems to highlight the diversity and beauty of Bremerton and will work with community groups and individuals to promote the literary arts in our City. The position will serve a two-year term with an option to serve a total of four terms. The Poet Laureate will receive a term stipend of $500