The A Line Meant Commemorative Collection features 60 poets from across the state and a set of found poems written by Dasha Kelly Hamilton, Wisconsin Poet Laureate Emerita and anthology editor. In this poetry anthology, Kelly Hamilton has solicited cosmopolitan voices across the state, from established poets to farmers, retirees, inmates, and more. Starting with single lines of existing poetry, participants not only crafted their own unique works, but also shared their poems and insights as a form of connective tissue with one another. Like a tree from many roots, A Line Meant threads together both the professional and hobbyist poet, growing new, powerful art from the margins between. 

A Line Meant is an evening of curation, creation, and a poetic conversation. Hosted by Dasha Kelly Hamilton, Wisconsin Poet Laureate Emerita and a self-described "Creative Change Agent,” the experience includes a micro writing workshop, a brief talk by Kelly Hamilton about her Laureate A Line Meant project, and conversations with and readings by anthology contributors. Attendees could leave with autographed copies of this inaugural collection and scribbles of their own to upload for the follow-up ALM edition. 

FREE and open to the public!

About Dasha Kelly Hamilton:

Dasha Kelly Hamilton is a writer, performance artist, and creative change agent. She has authored award-winning poetry, essays, and fiction. A skilled engagement practitioner and an adjunct instructor, Dasha has even facilitated initiatives in Botswana, Mauritius, and Beirut as an Arts Envoy for the U.S. Embassy. She voices audiobooks, is a mainstage storyteller and host with The Moth, an alum of HBO's Def Poetry Jam, and Poet Laureate Emerita for both the City of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin. Dasha’s nationally touring stage show, Makin’ Cake, serves audiences a unique conversation on race, class and equity. Dasha will release a poetry anthology this fall, A Line Meant (Jaded Ibis Press), and two novels in 2025, Baker’s Dozen (Jaded Ibis Press) and a 10th anniversary reprint of Almost Crimson (Curbside Splendor), which BuzzFeed named at its first release as one of the “16 of the Most Exciting Books of 2015 by Independent Publishers.” Dasha holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University.