Marking the end of a two-year tenure as Adams County’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Kerrie Joy will host the final event of her series Unstudied Adams County with an interactive evening celebration of poetry and creativity at Anythink Wright Farms in Thornton. The theme of the night will be ‘Fashion is the Future,’ and guests are encouraged to wear an outfit of their own vision.
“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 Kerrie Joy.
More than a literary event, this capstone experience invites the community to tap into the power of the imagination.
Unstudied Adams County is the final offering in a transformative two-year residency that saw Joy bring poetry into the public sphere as a tool for civic connection, cultural reflection and personal healing. The free, all-ages event will include live performances by Joy as well as featured 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. Guests can explore hands-on activities, cozy nooks for connection, and playful, imaginative treats from The Inventing Room.
Anythink Libraries, the award-winning public library system serving Adams County, is honored to have been a part of Joy’s inaugural residency, with Executive Director Mark Fink praising the impact of Joy’s tenure and the Unstudied Adams County series.
“Kerrie Joy’s residency has created space for authentic expression, reflection and connection throughout Adams County,” said Fink. “This final Unstudied event is a celebration of her incredible work and the countless community voices she’s inspired along the way.”
As Joy prepares to pass the torch, Anythink Libraries and Adams County reaffirm their shared commitment to nurturing creative voices and the arts.
“We are so honored to have had Kerrie Joy as the inaugural Adams County Poet Laureate,” said Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of County Commissioners. “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.”
Poets of all ages, skill levels and abilities are welcome to join the open mic, with in-person sign-up beginning at 5:30 pm. Performers are welcome to share original poetry in any language. No registration is required to attend the event, which will be hosted in English.
Event Details:
Unstudied Adams County: Kerrie Joy’s Final Event
Saturday, August 16 | 5:30–8:30 pm
Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton
All ages welcome | Free admission | No registration required
