Wyoming Poet Laureate
Meet Wyoming’s Poet Laureate: Barbara Smith
The Wyoming Poet Laureate program celebrates literary excellence and fosters a deeper appreciation of poetry across the state. Established in 1981, the position is appointed by the Governor to honor a poet whose work reflects the people, places, and culture of Wyoming. Through public readings, workshops, and community engagement, the Poet Laureate serves as an advocate for the literary arts.
On October 26, 2023, Governor Mark Gordon appointed Barbara Smith as Wyoming’s 9th Poet Laureate. A long-time resident of Rock Springs, Smith taught for 38 years at Western Wyoming Community College, where she led the Wesswick Lecture Series and helped foster a vibrant literary community in southwest Wyoming.
“Barbara’s poetry captures the essence of Wyoming and is instantly relatable,” Gordon said. “Her work speaks to the incredible changes that have taken place in the state and across the West since the arrival of the first pioneers.”
Barbara’s debut full-length poetry collection, Putting a Name on It, is now available through Deep Wild or on Amazon. For signed copies or bulk purchases, please contact her directly.
Poetry and essays in published collections:
- Wyoming Fence Lines
- Deep West: A Literary Tour of Wyoming
- Leaning Into the Wind
- Woven on the Wind
- Crazy Woman Creek
Other publications include:
- The Last Best Place – a Montana anthology
- Ucross: The 1st Ten Years
- Letters from Wyoming
- Wyoming Promises
- Drive, He Said – an anthology about Americans and their cars
- Blood, Water, Wind, and Stone
Invite the Poet Laureate
Barbara is available for poetry readings, creative writing workshops, and community literary events. To invite her to participate in your event, please contact her directly:
- Phone: 307-350-2398
- Email: barbarasmithm46@gmail.com
News and Recognition
- WyomingTruth.org: Women You Should Know in Wyoming – Barbara Smith
- Wyoming Public Radio: Barbara Smith Named New Wyoming Poet Laureate
Barbara was the recipient of the 2006 Wyoming Governor’s Arts Award for her contributions to the arts in Rock Springs and her own literary achievements.
Previous Wyoming Poets Laureate
Gene Gagliano (2016 – October 2023)
Rose Hill (July 9, 2015 – July 10, 2016)
Echo Roy Klaproth (July 10, 2013 – July 8, 2015)
Patricia Frolander (November 7, 2011 – June 9, 2013)
David Romtvedt (August 15, 2004 – January 3, 2011)
Robert Roripaugh (July 21, 1995 – 2003)
Charles L. Levendosky (January 4, 1988 – 1995)
Peggy Simson Curry (January 14, 1981 – January 20, 1987), Wyoming’s first Poet Laureate