Ogden, UT — Angelika Brewer, Ogden’s Poet Laureate, has been awarded a $50,000 fellowship by The Academy of American Poets. Brewer is one of twenty-two poets nationwide to receive this prestigious honor.
“I am deeply honored and amazed by this recognition from The Academy of American Poets and The Mellon Foundation,” Brewer said. “It feels surreal to be alongside such distinguished poets and organizers from across the country.”
Brewer plans to use the fellowship to advance several community projects. She aims to enhance the Ogden Ar(t)chives Mailbox project by developing a website for public access to submissions. Brewer is also collaborating with Ogden Contemporary Arts and Glass Spider Publishing to create a book about OCA’s Artist Factory program. This book aims to support OCA’s funding and provide youth poets and artists with formal publication opportunities. Additionally, she will invest in new supplies to expand poetry events and projects in Ogden.
“I’m excited for the coming year and my continued role as Ogden’s Poet Laureate,” Brewer said. “I appreciate the city’s trust in me to further support our local literary artists and the broader arts community.”
Brewer has been a prominent speaker at various events, including the Utah Conference for Teachers of English, Kiwanis Club, Ogden Pride Festival, and PBS Utah. She has also participated in the Utah Arts Festival, Ogden Arts Festival, and Literary Deathmatch, among others.
Lorie Buckley, Ogden City’s Arts Administrator, expressed enthusiasm for Brewer’s achievement: “Congratulations to Angelika Brewer on receiving this prestigious fellowship. Her dedication to our literary community has been inspiring. Her innovative programs and workshops have deepened our appreciation for poetry and supported the creative talents of our youth. We are proud to have Angelika represent our city and look forward to the continued impact of her work.”
In addition to her recent fellowship, Brewer has self-published a chapbook titled “I Don’t Want to Miss You,” included in the compilation “First Moon Manual.” She has over 100 digital publications and has coordinated and won several poetry slams. Brewer has been featured at various events across Utah, including the Utah Board of Governors’ annual meeting and the Ogden City Mayor’s Awards in the Arts.
About Ogden City Arts
Ogden City Arts believes that the arts are essential to a healthy culture, offering intellectual nourishment and social benefits. Its mission is to enrich the lives of Ogden residents and visitors through access to visual, performing, and literary arts and arts education. Ogden City Arts supports both arts organizations and independent artists, connecting the arts to daily life, education, and economic development.