Alberto Ríos, an acclaimed writer, weaves language into lyrical and unexpected forms, enchanting readers with his poems and short stories. His works reflect his Chicano heritage and incorporate elements of magical realism. Ríos developed a unique “third language” as a result of growing up in a Spanish-speaking family while being forced to speak English in school. Through his magical storytelling and poetic prowess, Ríos creates a bridge between cultures, bringing forth vivid portrayals of life on the border. His collections, such as “Whispering to Fool the Wind” and “Five Indiscretions,” showcase his ability to infuse magical realism into verse and explore gender issues. Ríos’s talent extends beyond poetry, as seen in his award-winning book of short stories, “The Iguana Killer: Twelve Stories of the Heart,” and subsequent collections.
He captures the luminous world of his childhood and border culture, mesmerizing readers with tales that border on the metafictional and magical realism. Ríos’s profound sensitivity and attention to detail breathe life into characters from small towns along the Arizona-Mexico border, transporting readers to another era. In his captivating memoir, Capirotada: A Nogales Memoir,” Ríos invites readers into his personal history and shares poignant anecdotes and finely drawn landscapes. With works like “The Smallest Muscle in the Human Body,” Ríos delves into childhood experiences, employing vivid imagery and evocative metaphors. While Ríos’s writing is rooted in his Chicano heritage, it transcends boundaries, celebrating the diversity and power of community. As a revered educator, Ríos imparts his wisdom to students at Arizona State University and serves as a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. In recognition of his contributions to literature, Ríos was appointed Arizona’s first poet laureate in 2013.
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Tomas Stanton: A Poet, Teaching Artist, and Advocate for Youth Empowerment
Tomas Stanton is a multifaceted individual who has made a profound impact through his artistry, teaching, and community activism. As a poet, writer, and teaching artist, he has dedicated himself to advancing the arts of spoken word and Hip Hop, using them as transformative platforms for youth development and civic engagement.
Throughout his journey, Tomas co-founded Phonetic Spit, an esteemed youth spoken word ensemble in Phoenix. Through the power of hip-hop pedagogy, he fearlessly inspires young individuals to express themselves boldly through poetry, dance, and theater. His teaching style draws from personal experiences of growing up in a single-parent household amidst poverty, navigating political issues, exploring personal identity, and understanding the profound essence of love.
With over a decade of experience in youth development, Tomas actively creates safe spaces across the Phoenix valley. His passion lies in nurturing young voices through the art of spoken word. By providing a supportive environment, he encourages them to fearlessly explore their creativity, offering solace, self-discovery, and a sense of belonging.
Tomas’s influence goes beyond artistic expression. He firmly believes that creative outlets can be powerful catalysts for positive change. Through his guidance, youth gain the confidence to delve into their emotions, experiences, and aspirations, empowering them to address social issues that impact their lives directly.
As a poet, teaching artist, and community activist, Tomas’s impact is immeasurable. He has dedicated himself to fostering trust, respect, and inclusivity within his teaching, enabling young minds to discover their authentic voices and embrace their unique perspectives.
Rosemarie Dombrowski: Phoenix’s Trailblazing Poet Laureate and Literary Innovator
Rosemarie Dombrowski is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Phoenix, Arizona, and a dynamic force in the city’s literary landscape. As a writer, editor, educator, and activist, she has transformed the way Arizona poetry is shared and celebrated. Her innovative contributions have helped shape Phoenix’s cultural scene, making her an essential voice in AZ poetry.
A Pioneer in Arizona Poetry
Rosemarie Dombrowski has been at the forefront of Arizona’s creative community for years. As the founding editor of Write On, Downtown: A Journal of Phoenix Writing and rinky dink press—a publisher specializing in micropoetry in microzine form—she has provided vital platforms for emerging and established poets. With her visionary approach, she has not only championed new voices in Arizona poetry but also curated a space where experimental and traditional forms of poetry can flourish.
Revolutionary Literary Projects
Ever the innovator, Dombrowski launched The Revolution (Relaunch), a bold and revisionary resurgence of the weekly women’s rights newspaper originally founded by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony in 1868. This project blends historical insight with modern feminist activism, underscoring her commitment to social justice and creative expression. Through her work, Dombrowski challenges the status quo, using the power of poetry and print to advocate for equality and cultural change.
Acclaimed Achievements and Honors
Rosemarie’s contributions to literature have not gone unnoticed. She is the recipient of five Pushcart Prize nominations and was honored with a Whiting Fellowship nomination in 2019. In addition, she has received the 2017 Arts Hero Award, the Carrie McCray Literary Award in Nonfiction, and a fellowship from the Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics—all in 2017. In April 2019, she was named a finalist for the Whitman Bicentennial Poetry Contest, sponsored by Brooklyn Poets. These accolades reflect her far-reaching influence and unwavering dedication to the craft of poetry.
Literary Works That Resonate
Dombrowski’s published works are a testament to her creative range and depth. The Book of Emergencies (Five Oaks Press, 2014) explores the fragility of human existence, while The Philosophy of Unclean Things (Finishing Line Press, 2017) delves into the intersections of personal and collective histories. Her chapbook, The Cleavage Planes of Southwest Minerals [A Love Story], won the 2017 Split Rock Review chapbook competition, further solidifying her reputation as a profound and innovative poet.
Educator and Mentor
In addition to her groundbreaking writing and editorial work, Rosemarie Dombrowski is a respected educator in Arizona’s literary community. She teaches courses on Women’s Literature, Medical Humanities, Creative Ethnography, and Journal Curation/Editing at Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus. Her teaching extends beyond the university, as she is actively involved with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Changing Hands Bookstore, where she nurtures aspiring writers and engages a broad audience in the transformative power of poetry.
A Lasting Influence on Arizona Culture
Rosemarie Dombrowski’s work is characterized by its depth, insight, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. As Phoenix’s Poet Laureate, she continues to inspire and influence both emerging and established writers. Through her innovative literary projects, dedicated teaching, and active role in Arizona’s arts community, Dombrowski has made significant contributions to the cultural fabric of the region.
Her legacy in Arizona poetry is not just about the words she writes, but also about the communities she builds and the voices she elevates.
