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Tina Demerjian named Glendale’s second poet laureate as Raffi Wartanian is thanked for founding program
Summary
Council and staff introduced incoming poet laureate Tina Demerjian and thanked outgoing poet laureate Raffi Wartanian for building the city’s poetry program, publishing anthologies and community workshops.
The council and staff introduced Tina Demerjian as Glendale’s incoming poet laureate and recognized outgoing inaugural laureate Raffi Wartanian for three years of programming that included workshops, readings and two anthologies containing 129 published poems. Staff thanked library and arts-and-culture team members who supported the program, and Raffi Wartanian reviewed accomplishments and urged continued investment in the initiative.
Incoming laureate Tina Demerjian described poetry as a tool for leadership and community connection and read a short poem for the council. She outlined outreach goals to bring poetry into classrooms, museums and businesses and asked the community to participate in upcoming programming. "So be curious and join me," Demerjian said as she closed her remarks. Council members applauded both laureates and noted that the position was appointed by the arts commission rather than by council action at this meeting.
