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TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY K.B. DIXON

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April marks the 25^th Anniversary of National Poetry Month, which was launched in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets. It has become one of the largest literary celebrations in the world.

The portraits here of Oregon poets are previously unpublished images from a series I did in 2019 that focused on Oregon writers in general—the unusually gifted people who make up this state’s diverse and dynamic literary culture.   

My hope back then was to call attention to the uniquely rewarding work of these talented people and, as always, to produce a good photograph. I have the same hope today. 

KIM STAFFORD

Oregon’s ninth Poet Laureate, 2018-20; founding director of the Northwest Writing Institute at Lewis & Clark College. His newest collection of poems, Singer Come From Afar, will be released April 27, 2021.

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SAMIYA BASHIR

Poet, professor, and founder of the advocacy group Fire & Ink. Her latest collection is Field Theories.

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FLOYD SKLOOT

Poet, novelist, memoirist, and science writer. His ninth and most recent poetry collection, Far West, is a finalist for this year’s Oregon Book Award; the 2021 winners will be announced May 2.

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DAVID BIESPIEL

Poet, literary critic, memoirist, and founder of the Attic Institute of Arts and Letters. Republic Cafe is his latest book of poetry.

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ZACHARY SCHOMBURG

Poet, novelist, illustrator, publisher and editor of Octopus Books. His newest book of poetry, Fjords vol. II, will be published in May 2021.

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ANIS MOJGANI

Oregon’s current Poet Laureate, Mojgani is a spoken-word artist, two-time National Poetry Slam Champion, and winner of the International World Cup Poetry Slam. His latest book of poems is In the Pockets of Small Gods.