Adams County Poet Laureate
In collaboration with Anythink Libraries, the Adams County Poet Laureate residency is breaking down barriers to poetry in our community and amplifying voices that too often go unheard.
Through performances, workshops and events, and original works inspired by their residency, this program is bringing poetry and the literary and performance arts to the Adams County community.
The current Poet Laureate, Aerik Francis, is a celebrated poet, teaching artist, and literary organizer deeply connected to Colorado’s creative community. Aerik’s vision for their residency is simple: Conversations.
Connect with Aerik Francis
Aerik Francis (they/he) is a Queer Black and Latinx poet & teaching artist based in Denver, Colorado, USA. Francis is the author of the chapbooks BODYPOLITIC (forthcoming Spring 2026 with Abode Press), MISEDUCATION (May 2023, New Delta Review), and BODYELECTRONIC (April 2022, Trouble Department). They have received poetry fellowship support from SAFTA, the Chrysalis Institute, CantoMundo, and The Watering Hole. They are also a poetry reader for Underblong poetry journal and have poetry published widely.
Upcoming Events
Adams County Poet Laureate Open Mic
Join Poet Laureate Aerik Francis for the first Open Mic of their residency! Poets of all ages, skill levels, and abilities are invited to sign up in-person at the event to share their original poetry. Performance slots are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis starting at 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Manos Sagrados, 9975 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Former Adams County Poets Laureate
Kerrie Joy, Aug. 2023 – Aug. 2025
The Adams County Poet Laureate residency is a collaboration between Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts and Anythink Libraries.
Aiming to make poetry accessible to all in our communities, the vision of Adams County Poet Laureate Residency is to spark civic dialogue, amplify voices we do not often hear, break down barriers between our community and poetry as an art form, and enrich the lives of Adams County residents.
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