State Poet Laureate
In 2015, Montana established a state poet laureate position, which is currently held by Chris La Tray, author of several collections of poetry including Becoming Little Shell (Milkweed Editions, 2024).
Poetry Near You
Find poetry readings, workshops, festivals, conferences, literary organizations, and poetry-friendly bookstores, and learn more about poets laureate, in your area.
Recent & Featured Listings
| Type | Title | State |
|---|---|---|
| Small Press | Drumlummon Institute | Montana |
| Literary Magazine | Whitefish Review | Montana |
| Literary Magazine | The Oval | Montana |
| Literary Magazine | Camas | Montana |
| Small Press | Riverbend Publishing | Montana |
| Writing Program | The 406 Writers' Workshop | Montana |
| Conference | Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering | Montana |
| Writing Program | University of Montana | Montana |
| Festival | Montana Book Festival | Montana |
| Poetry-Friendly Bookstore | Barjon’s Books | Montana |
Related Poets
Karen Volkman
Read more about Karen Volkman >Karen Volkman, author of Whereso (BOA Editions, 2016), is the recipient of the James Laughlin Award, given by the Academy of American Poets, and the Iowa Poetry Prize.
Photo credit: Dean Davis M. L. Smoker
M. L. Smoker is the author of Another Attempt at Rescue (Hanging Loose Press, 2005). She currently serves as co-poet laureate for the state of Montana, alongside Melissa Kwasny. In 2021, Smoker and Kwasny were named Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellows.Read more about M. L. Smoker >
Photo credit: Donna Goode Rogers Melissa Kwasny
Melissa Kwasny is the author of six books of poetry. She currently shares the position of Montana Poet Laureate with M.L. Smoker. In 2021, Kwasny and Smoker were named Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellows.Read more about Melissa Kwasny >