Ellen Kort Celebration

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TJ Lambert/Stages Photography

A close-up of Dasha Kelly Hamilton.

Milwaukee writer and performance artist Dasha Kelly Hamilton is Wisconsin's poet laureate for 2021-2022.

Arts + Literature Laboratory dedicates the Ellen Kort Mezzanine in honor of Wisconsin's first poet laureate with a celebration of Kort's life and work, including readings by current and former Wisconsin and Madison poets laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton, Bruce Dethlefsen, Ronnie Hess, Oscar Mireles, Andrea Musher, Margaret Rozga and Angie Trudell Vasquez. “As a person, a poet, and a teacher, Ellen Kort embodied values within poetry and community that we prioritize,” says Rita Mae Reese, ALL's director, and that's echoed in ALL's commitment to bringing poetry to the people.

media release: This special poetry reading and reception is free and open to the public. Attendees should review ALL’s COVID-19 safety policy at artlitlab.org.

Former Wisconsin poet laureate Marilyn Taylor said, “No one in the state is more worthy of a commemorative event like this.” You can read Marilyn’s poem in honor of Ellen Kort at the ALL Review: https://artlitlab.org/all-review/sonnet-for-ellen-kort.

ALL is a community-driven arts center that increases access to the visual, literary, and performing arts and arts education in Dane County. The Kort Mezzanine was constructed as part of ALL’s new 10,500 sq. ft. facility in the downtown Capitol East District. ALL recently completed Phase 1 of its capital campaign, and is continuing to develop the space as a resource for people of all ages and backgrounds to create, share, and enjoy art.