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Cloverdale is hosting an extraordinary literary event on May 20 as US Poet Laureate Ada Limón delivers the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology’s Spring Keynote at Nestucca K-8 School. This free, in-person reading, which requires reservations, promises an intimate evening of poetry that celebrates the interplay between language and the natural world. Unlike the ticketed literary gatherings often confined to urban centers, this event is designed to be accessible, bringing one of America’s most celebrated poets to a rural public school.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with Limón’s reading beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by a book signing where attendees can meet the poet and purchase her works.
Ada Limón, the 24th US Poet Laureate, is a literary force whose work resonates with readers worldwide. Her six poetry collections, including the acclaimed The Carrying, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award, and Bright Dead Things, a finalist for the National Book Award, showcase her ability to weave personal and universal themes with vivid imagery. Her most recent collection, The Hurting Kind, was shortlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize, further cementing her reputation as a poet of profound insight. Limón’s honors extend beyond her poetry: she is a MacArthur Fellowship recipient and was named one of TIME magazine’s Women of the Year. Her signature project as Poet Laureate, You Are Here, emphasizes poetry’s role in fostering a deeper connection to nature, a theme that aligns seamlessly with the Sitka Center’s mission.
The event at Nestucca K-8 School is a great opportunity for Oregon’s coastal residents to engage with a literary icon in a setting that prioritizes community and accessibility. Limón will read selections from her poetry, sharing insights on how language can illuminate humanity’s relationship with the environment. Her work often draws on the natural world, exploring themes of loss, love, and resilience through the lens of landscapes and living things. Attendees can expect a performance that is both moving and thought-provoking, as Limón’s readings are known for their emotional depth and clarity. The book signing afterward will offer a chance for personal interaction, allowing fans to connect with the poet and take home signed copies of her works, including her two children’s books, In Praise of Mystery, illustrated by Peter Sís, and And, Too, The Fox, released in 2025.
The Sitka Center is committed to making art and culture accessible to all. The event is free, though reservations are required due to limited seating, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent attendance. This approach aligns with the Sitka Center’s broader mission to champion art and ecology, fostering creative expression and environmental awareness.
The Sitka Center for Art and Ecology has long been a beacon for artists, writers, and scientists seeking to explore the intersection of creativity and the natural world. Located in Otis at Cascade Head, the nonprofit offers residencies, workshops, and youth programs that inspire participants to engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways. Its K-8 Create program, which serves 5,000 students across 17 Oregon schools, introduces young learners to art and ecology through hands-on experiences. The organization’s residencies, ranging from two weeks to three months, provide creators with dedicated time and space to pursue independent work in a supportive environment. These programs, combined with events like Limón’s reading, demonstrate Sitka’s belief in the transformative power of art and nature.
Limón’s visit is particularly fitting given her focus on nature in her poetry and her You Are Here project, which encourages readers to find connection and solace in the natural world. The Sitka Center’s location at the heart of this ecological treasure enhances the event’s resonance, inviting attendees to reflect on their own relationships with the environment. Limón’s ability to articulate the beauty and fragility of nature through poetry will likely leave a lasting impression on those gathered at Nestucca K-8 School.
The event also highlights the Sitka Center’s role as a cultural hub for the Oregon Coast. By bringing a figure of Limón’s stature to a rural community, the organization challenges the notion that high-caliber artistic experiences are exclusive to metropolitan areas. The Sitka Center continues to enrich Oregon’s cultural landscape through its innovative programs and inclusive events. Its commitment to fostering creativity and environmental stewardship has made it a vital resource for artists, students, and communities alike. As it celebrates its 55th year, the Sitka Center remains a testament to the enduring value of art and nature in bringing people together and inspiring meaningful change.
