Episode 77: Poet aaron abeyta on how art gathers us

“Art gathers  us,” says poet aaron a. abeyta. In this episode, we talk with the celebrated poet about his newest collection of poems and letters, ancestor of fire. In this episode, focus on what is the work of the writer? How do we save language? What are the benefits of writing longhand? How do we give voice to what is broken? How does repetition echo storytelling? Why is it important to write what you don’t know?  Plus aaron shares many lines and bits of wisdom from his mentors and literary heroes. 

aaron a. abeyta is a Colorado native and the author of five collections of poetry and one novel. For his book, colcha, Abeyta received an American Book Award and the Colorado Book Award.  In addition, his novel, Rise, Do Not be Afraid, was a finalist for the 2007 Colorado Book Award and El Premio Aztlan. abeyta was awarded a Colorado Council on the Arts Fellowship for poetry, and he is the former Poet Laureate of Colorado’s Western Slope and was a finalist for the 2019 Colorado Poet Laureate.  Abeyta is also a recipient of a Governor’s Creative Leadership Award for 2017. aaron has over 100 publications in journals, anthologies, textbooks and books. His most recent book, ancestor of fire, was just released by Lithic Press.

abeyta also served as mayor of his hometown, Antonito, for eight years, completing his two terms in April, 2022. aaron, his wife Michele and their daughter, Rut, call Antonito home. Michele and Aaron are co-Directors and founders of The Justice & Heritage Academy, a school based on the three pillars of Environmental, Social and Food Justice.

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