Missouri

Current Laureate:
David Clewell

Start of Term:
March 3, 2010 (term ends Jan. 31, 2012)

Position History:
Gov. Matt Blunt announced the creation of the position of Missouri Poet Laureate in October 2007. Position officially established on January 8, 2008 by Executive Order 08-01, which was superseded on Devember 24, 2009 by Executive Order 09-28. EO 09-28 provides the following description of the position::

The Poet Laureate shall be named in January, 2010, and biennially thereafter, and shall serve for two years, at the pleasure of the Governor. In addition to other criteria established, the Poet Laureate must be a published poet, a resident of Missouri, be active in the poetry community, and be willing and able to promote poetry in the state of Missouri throughout the two-year term. The Poet Laureate shall be responsible for promoting the arts in Missouri by making public appearances at public libraries and schools across the state. The Poet Laureate shall also compose an original poem in honor of Missouri that may be used for publication and distribution.

Previous Laureates:
Walter Bargen (Febraury 13, 2008-January 2010)

Further Resources:
Publications by David Clewell in the Library's online catalog.

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