Valerie Martinez

Valerie Martínez is the author of five books of poetry, one book of translations (of Uruguay’s Delmira Agustini) and a chapbook of hybrid poetry and prose. Her poems have appeared widely in anthologies, journals, and magazines. Her most recent work, Count, is a book-length poem that grapples with the devastating effects of climate change while recounting the magnificent wonders of the natural world. Martínez is also an educator, having taught poetry and literature for over 20 years at the college/university level and currently teaching poetry and memoir workshops for adults. Since 2007, Martínez has worked as an arts administrator and consultant in the field of arts and community development. She is the Founding Director of Artful Life, an organization dedicated to works of public art created through a place-based, community engagement process. Artful Life is currently the lead consultant for the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico’s CHART (Culture, History, Art, Reconciliation, Truth) project—a twelve-month community engagement process dedicated to truth, healing, and reconciliation. Valerie was the Poet Laureate of Santa Fe, New Mexico from 2008-2010. Learn more: www.valeriemartinez.net