With Poetry Out Loud just around the corner, we're excited to introduce you to some of the people who make this exciting program happen! K’Ehleyr McNulty is one of the Central Arizona regional coordinators for Poetry Out Loud, as well as a poet, artist, and scientist.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
K’Ehleyr McNulty (they/them/elle) is a member of the Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation of what is now known as Carmel Valley and Monterey Bay, CA. They are a poet, artist, and scientist currently living and working on the lands of the Akimel O’odham and Piipaash peoples. Professionally, they are the Senior Coordinator for Outreach Programs for the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing on the ASU Tempe campus, where they are able to provide free, community driven literary programs to Phoenix-Metro area writers and readers.
Attending a monthly gathering, affectionately dubbed Native Poets, K’Ehleyr writes with and learns from friends whose works are eternally inspiring. They are honored to have their poem, “Sacrifice”, included in I Sing the Salmon Home, edited by Rena Priest, and “Unprecedented”, included in the Madrona Project, Keep a Green Bough: Voices from the Heart of Cascadia, edited by Holly J. Hughes. When not day-dreaming up poems, you can find them struggling through a new sewing project, playing with their dog at the river, or experimenting in the kitchen.
Tell us about your organization.
The Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing is a center for literary exploration. We believe the power to document what is and to imagine what could be belongs to everyone. Through classes, events, and publications, we create brave spaces where individuals can discover and claim their stories.
What is your Poetry Out Loud role?
I share the Central Region Coordinator duties with my supervisor, Iliana Garcia. Together, we support participating students and schools in central Arizona throughout the Poetry Out Loud season. In addition to hosting the central region competition in February each year, we provide coaches to help participants prepare their recitations and hone their performance skills.
When did you first learn about Arizona’s Poetry Out Loud program? How long have you participated in the program?
I first learned about Poetry Out Loud in the Fall of 2022 when I took my position as Outreach Coordinator for the Piper Center. Growing up in rural, northern Arizona, I had never heard of the national or Arizona program and was very excited to be introduced to the program as an adult and poet. I’ve been coordinating for the central region for two years now and am excited to work with all the youth, educators, and coaches we’ll welcome for my third season this year!
What do you enjoy most about Poetry Out Loud?
I love getting to see the participants connect more deeply with the poems they choose to recite, as well as with poetry generally. From the first time they attend a coaching session to their final recitation at regional competition, it’s amazing to see how far they come in their confidence as performers and embodying the emotions and themes throughout the art they recite. Selfishly, my other favorite part of POL is getting to hear the participants answer interview questions after the competition phase has ended; getting to know them and their dreams for the future is a lovely way to end our event!
What is your favorite poem from the Poetry Out Loud anthology?
"Welcome to Indian Country" by Rena Priest. This poem speaks to me on so many levels! I had the opportunity to study with Rena this past summer and hear her read this poem which only cemented my love and connection to it.
What are you looking forward to in this year’s Poetry Out Loud program?
I’m most looking forward to seeing how creative the participants will be. What poems will they choose? How will they interpret the poem? And, of course, getting to celebrate with them after the competition has concluded.
Tell us about your artistic practice. Where can we find your work?
I’m very fortunate to write with friends monthly over Zoom (Native Poets), as well as write and discuss poetry and prose just about weekly locally. Being in community with other writers upon moving to Tempe in 2022 has enriched my life in so many ways!
Other than buying, or encouraging your library to purchase both I Sing the Salmon Home and Madrona Project, Keep a Green Bough: Voices from the Heart of Cascadia, the best way to connect with my work is to be in touch with me! You can find me at the BIPOC Open Mic hosted by Palabras Bilingual Bookstore in Phoenix, or contact me at kehleyr.mcnulty@asu.edu