Lisa Starr of Block Island has been named Rhode Island’s state poet. She replaces Thomas Chandler, the state poet since 1999.
Starr, appointed Friday by Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, is the author of two poetry collections, “Days of Dogs and Driftwood” and “This Place Here.” She is the founder and director of the Block Island Poetry Project, which features a different theme each weekend from March 22 through May 6.
Together with her husband, Champlin Starr, she owns and operates the Hygeia House inn, where they live with their children Orrin, 10, and Camille, 9.
“Not only is she a talented poet, but she is an advocate for poetry; she is committed to bringing poetry alive for all Rhode Islanders,” Carcieri said.
“As founder of the Block Island Poetry Project, which is now in its fourth year, she has demonstrated creativity in showcasing poetry and she is bringing nationally-known poets to our state for this celebration,” he added.
The state poet – a position established in 1989 – has no specific duties but serves as the Ocean State’s principal advocate for poetry.
“I am honored, flattered, and pleasantly surprised to be selected as the State Poet,” Starr said. “I have always been drawn to and compelled by language, and poetry, in particular.
“Language has more power and more potential than any of us care to realize,” she added. “That makes our work … a most serious business, as well as an aesthetically pleasing one.”
Star has been awarded the Rhode Island Fellowship in Poetry in 2002 and 2004 and has twice received the University of Rhode Island Nancy Potter Prize for Fiction.
Additional information is available at ri.gov, at www.hygeiahouse.com and at BIpoetryproject.com.
