Molinaro Appoints Bettina “Gold” Wilkerson as 2017 Dutchess County Poet Laureate

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Molinaro Appoints Bettina “Gold” Wilkerson
as 2017 Dutchess County Poet Laureate

Poet Laureate to present poem at State of the County Address

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro has appointed Poughkeepsie resident Bettina “Gold” Wilkerson as the County’s 2017 Poet Laureate. Ms. Wilkerson will read her poetry at the 2017 State of the County Address.

2017 Poet LaureateCounty Executive Molinaro said, “Dutchess County’s vigorous arts community enhances our lives in so many ways – from contributing to our tourism industry to improving our quality of life – and this appointment continues this county’s commitment to the arts. I know Poet Gold will bring thought-provoking pieces to life as our new Poet Laureate, works that will inspire Dutchess County. Our arts scene makes us distinctly Dutchess, and I urge all residents to enjoy the arts wherever they find them.”

In her unpaid role as Dutchess County’s Poet Laureate, Ms. Wilkerson will serve for a one-year term and bring poetry to the community through a series of readings and events.

Ms. Wilkerson said, “As Poet Laureate, through a series of poetry workshops and performances, I hope to empower communities to find their voice for their dreams, goals, and aspirations.”

Ms. Wilkerson was the recipient of the 2016 Dutchess County Executive’s “Artivist” Award; a 2016 Dutchess County Athena Award Honoree by The Chamber Foundation, Inc.; the 2016 recipient of the Exempt Firemen’s Association Black Heritage Committee’s “Outstanding Community Service Award” for Extraordinary Contribution and Dedication; and the 2014 New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Individual Artist Tier Grant Awardee for Dutchess County, among others honors. Further information about Ms. Wilkerson is available here.

Ms. Wilkerson was the Artist-in-Residence for the “Leadership Overnight Camp,” hosted by Rural Migrant Ministry; served as host for the 2016 RMM Rural Women’s Assembly, hosted the 2015 NYS Women’s Rural Conference; spoke before renowned organizations, such as Omega Institute’s 2014 “Women Serving Women Summit;” and has inspired women with her words for the Women’s Leadership Alliance International Women’s Day.

Arts Mid-Hudson managed the process of the public call for nominations, inviting a panel of literary professionals and community members to make a selection from 65 nominations. Public nominations for the 2018 Dutchess County Poet Laureate will be accepted this summer.

“We appreciate County Executive Molinaro’s dedication to Dutchess County’s arts community, and his selection of Poet Gold as our 2017 Poet Laureate is one we can all celebrate,” said Linda Marston-Reid, Executive Director for Arts Mid-Hudson. “The promotion of poetry throughout Dutchess County benefits residents of all ages and backgrounds, and we applaud County Executive Molinaro for his continued appreciation of the arts.”

County Executive Molinaro will hold his annual State of the County Address at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park on Thursday, February 16th at 5 p.m. The State of the County Address event is open to the public; seating is limited, and registration is required. To register, click here.