Saturday’s Unstudied Adams County Poetry Event Concludes Kerrie Joy’s Tenure as Adams County’s Inaugural Poet Laureate

Kerrie Joy’s journey as Adams County’s inaugural Poet Laureate is set to come to an end after two years of service, culminating in her event Unstudied Adams County, marking the conclusion of her series. Saturday, August 16, is set to be filled with poetry and creativity at Anythink Wright Farms in Thornton, Colorado. Guests are encouraged to wear an outfit of their own design, as the event begins at 5:30 PM.

In a press release, Joy says her Unstudied Adams County event is a vision of peace and safety when people in the community come together.

“As the last event of my Poet Laureate residency, I wanted the ending of Unstudied Adams County to be a bridge for us to imagine what kind of future we want to create together,” said Joy. “When I think of the theme ‘Fashion the Future,’ I envision each of us stepping into and shaping a world that’s full of safety, abundance, peace, and liberation for all.”

Those who attend will also get performances by poets Suzi Q. Smith and Hakeem Furious, an engaging open mic, and an immersive art installation by Julie Claes and Sadie Young of Spectra Art Space. The event is set to be interactive with hands-on activities from The Inventing Room.

Joy’s Unstudied Adams County concludes a two-year residency that brought poetry “into the public sphere as a tool for civic connection, cultural reflection, and personal healing,” according to the press release.

Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of County Commissioners, recognizes the importance of Joy’s impact on the community through of literary work.

“We are so honored to have had Kerrie Joy as the inaugural Adams County Poet Laureate,” said Baca in a press release. “Her work has formed new pathways for the literary arts in Adams County and created a strong foundation for future artists who will fill this impactful role.”

All ages and poets from all skill levels and languages have been invited to join the open mic, with sign-ups beginning at 5:30 PM.