State poet to appear in Houlton

HOULTON – The state’s newly named poet laureate will bring her love of language and verse to Houlton residents today.

Betsy Sholl of Portland will host a two-hour poetry writing workshop followed by a reading of her work at the Houlton Higher Education Center.

The Southern Aroostook Cultural Arts Project and the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance are teaming to welcome Sholl as part of a traveling poet series in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Sholl was chosen by Gov. John Baldacci to be the state’s poet laureate, a five-year position. Sholl succeeds Baron Wormser of Hallowell.

The honor is bestowed upon a person whose work is nationally recognized and of exceptional quality.

Sholl teaches creative writing at the University of Southern Maine and in the Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing at Vermont College. She earned her master’s degree in English at the University of Rochester and her MFA degree in creative writing at Vermont College. She is the author of six books, including “Late Psalm” and “The Red Line.”

She has already done readings in Portland, Augusta and Bangor.

Southern Aroostook Cultural Arts Project advisory board member Audrey Zimmerman said Sholl will host the workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. today and will read from her work at 4 p.m.

The cost of the workshop is $10, while the reading and reception are free and open to the public.