The readings will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed by an open mic session. All are welcome to come to the mic and read their own poetry.

Featured readers are

Dawn Jarvela Henthorn who grew up in Kodiak, Alaska. The smells, sights, and nature of the island, along with the sturdy, gentle, generous, gregarious nature of its people, have indelibly influenced her art, writing, and personality. She sculpts in clay and soapstone, and is teaching herself Sumi painting. She says, “It never occurred to me that I could write. In fact I always stood in awe of those who could. My sister, Andrea, is the writer. When I asked her how she does it she told me it’s easy, all you have to do is sweat blood. The thing I could do was tell a story. Many times I’d been urged to write my stories down, or invited to ‘come to my writing group.’ Over the years, my poems have been exhibited in Ars Poetica, in Poetry Corners, at BPA, and at Mud Puddle Coffee, along with my photos of devastation right after the earthquake in Kodiak.

Marit Saltrones has always been a journalist and writer, but found herself returning to poetry as she transited the 50 year mark. She has spent the last year and a half looking back at Bainbridge, first from the California desert, then fromTacoma, and now, from her new home in the Pike Place Market. A childhood in the woods set her attachment to the natural world. Decades as an entrepreneur forged her independence. Becoming disabled formed her love for interdependence. Her current mantra is do it today, because you might not be able to tomorrow.

Gary V Anderson identifies as a Finnish American poet, though he is also Swede and Norwegian—and has Sami ancestors from the Finnish and Norwegian sides. He is known for saving wild places; places that have their own language and spirits. He would like to tell you how he came to find and save those beautiful places, and how they helped save him. He might tell you that he was raised in a logging family in southwest Washington and thanks to Agent Orange and PTSD, is a disabled Vietnam veteran. You also might hear of his quest to become an elder before he becomes an ancestor and how he embraced his Sámi ancestors’ spiritual practices to allow peace and healing in his life. His journey back to his true self started in the wild places. They are an integral part of him, and though he’s rarely there in person, he visits often.