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Glendale names Tina Demirdjian poet laureate; community praises Armenian Dress and Textile Project
Summary
The commission named Tina Demirdjian Glendale's 2026–2027 Poet Laureate and heard multiple public comments praising her Armenian Dress and Textile Project exhibit and related programming; Demirdjian described an outreach plan called 'Words of Wisdom' to place poetry in everyday places across the city.
The Glendale Arts and Culture Commission opened its June 18 meeting by announcing Tina Demirdjian as Glendale’s 2026–2027 Poet Laureate. Demirdjian spoke about her plan, "Words of Wisdom: poetry from the neighborhood," which aims to bring poetry into the city’s library network and the public realm — from menus to building facades — and invited community members to participate.
Several community members praised the Armenian Dress and Textile Project exhibit and its associated programming. Karina Arman (retired Glendale Unified teacher) and Sophie Hachmannian described the exhibit’s educational research and cross‑cultural programming; Mary Haratunian called the textiles "voices, memories, and proof of a culture that refused to be erased," and Lynn Warlow said the project generated a strong sense of connection and participation across multiple nights of events.
Demirdjian told the commission: "the act of rediscovery reminds us all that we are alive," and thanked the City of Glendale Arts and Culture Commission for support. Commissioners offered unanimous congratulations and reflected on the role of a poet laureate as community service that helps people see the city through stories and shared experiences. Commissioners and staff also showed a short video summary of the exhibit and programming and encouraged continued outreach and participation.
Next steps: Demirdjian will begin programming as poet laureate for the coming year; staff and commissioners encouraged public engagement with the Brand Library & Art Center program calendar and upcoming Brand Summer Music Series.
