Valerie Martinez
Valerie Martinez is the author of five books of poetry, one book of translations, and her work has appeared in dozens of literary journals and magazines. Her book-length poem, "COUNT," was published by the University of Arizona Press in the fall of 2021. Martinez's previous book-length poem, "Each and Her," was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, the William Carlos William Award, the National Book Critics Circle award, the PEN Open Book Award, the Ron Ridenhour Prize and was an honorable mention in the 2011 International Latino Book Awards. She was the Poet Laureate for the city of Santa Fe from 2008-2010.
Martinez is also an educator, arts consultant, and collaborative artist. She taught literature and creative writing for over 20 years at the college/university level and has spent the last 14 years in the field of arts and community development. Currently, she is a Co-Director of CHART Santa Fe (Culture, History, Art, Reconciliation, and Truth) leading the City of Santa Fe through a truth, healing and reconciliation process. She is the founder of the EKCO Poets, working collaboratively with other poets to create spoken-word performances that address issues of urgency to women.
Martinez has a bachelor's degree from Vassar College and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona.
Appearances
Valerie is scheduled to appear at the 2022 Tucson Festival of Books.
Published Works
Count (2021 ISBN: 9780816542192), University of Arizona Press