In recognition of Poetry Month in April, Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler announced Tia Hudson as the City of Bremerton’s first Poet Laureate during Wednesday’s city council meeting.

Hudson’s background includes writing poetry and her work has been published in several regional publications including Poets on the Coast Anthology and Ars Poetica. She is currently a full-time English professor at Olympic College where she teaches creative writing and English Composition.

Hudson has a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Pacific Lutheran University and a Bachelor’s degree in english literature and general studies from Portland State University. Being a Bremerton resident since the 1990’s, Hudson is passionate about promoting literary arts in the community.

“I am very honored to be named as first Poet Laureate for the City of Bremerton,” Hudson said in a press release. “I want to inspire young people and residents to participate and enjoy poetry about our city. This program celebrates the diversity and creativity we have in our community and I’m so proud to be part of this program.”

Bremerton’s poet laureate program launched this year as part of Mayor Wheeler’s 2019 Arts Initiative. The poet laureate will create and perform original poems to highlight the diversity and beauty of Bremerton and will work with community groups and individuals to promote literary arts. The position will serve a two-year term with an option to serve a total of four terms. The poet laureate will receive a term stipend of $500.

“Tia Hudson is one of several talented poets that we have in our community, and I know her experience and ability will enrich the program,” Wheeler said in a press release. “Tia brings a passion for Bremerton and an outstanding background to the new position. I look forward to the ideas and creativity she will bring as our city’s first poet laureate.”