Joel Long, an English and creative writing teacher at Rowland Hall, has been named Salt Lake City’s first poet laureate. The selection was announced by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall on Sept. 22 during an appearance on KRCL’s RadioACTive program.
Long has taught at Rowland Hall since 2004 and is an experienced poet whose most recent book of lyric essays was released in March. In his new role, he will spend the next three years promoting literary arts throughout Salt Lake City. His goals include implementing signature community projects and introducing a wider spectrum of poetry to the public to help people understand why the medium matters.
A student, Isabel Himoff, noted Long's influence on her development as a poet. She described his creative approach as powerful and mentioned that he has supported her through her own poetic work. Himoff is currently working on a traveling exhibit of poems and paintings for Stewardship Utah, which is scheduled to open in November to help raise money for preserving Utah wilderness.
Long's literary career includes the 2005 launch of the Rowland Hall literary magazine, Tesserae. He is also a wildlife photographer, a practice he says complements his writing by sharpening his attention to details in the natural world. His academic background includes studying at the University of Northern Colorado under Professor James Doyle.
Long expressed that the role is a vital part of his life and provides an opportunity to bring the value of poetry to a broader audience, including those who may not yet realize its ability to deepen lives.
