Adams County Inaugural Poet Laureate Kerrie Joy’s Final Event Fashions a Future of Creative Community

Poet Laureate Closes Powerful Two-Year Residency with Sendoff at Anythink Wright Farms on August 16

THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marking the end of a two-year tenure as Adams County’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Kerrie Joy will host the final event of her series Unstudied Adams County with an interactive evening celebration of poetry and creativity at Anythink Wright Farms in Thornton. The theme of the night will be ‘Fashion is the Future,’ and guests are encouraged to wear an outfit of their own vision.

More than a literary event, this capstone experience invites the community to tap into the power of the imagination.

“As the last event of my Poet Laureate residency, I wanted the ending of Unstudied Adams County to be a bridge for us to imagine what kind of future we want to create together,” said Joy. “When I think of the theme ‘Fashion the Future,’ I envision each of us stepping into and shaping a world that’s full of safety, abundance, peace and liberation for all.”

Unstudied Adams County is the final offering in a transformative two-year residency that saw Joy bring poetry into the public sphere as a tool for civic connection, cultural reflection and personal healing. The free, all-ages event will include live performances by Joy as well as featured poets Suzi Q. Smith and Hakeem Furious, an engaging open mic and an immersive art installation by Julie Claes and Sadie Young of Spectra Art Space. Guests can explore hands-on activities, cozy nooks for connection, and playful, imaginative treats from The Inventing Room.

Anythink Libraries, the award-winning public library system serving Adams County, is honored to have been a part of Joy’s inaugural residency, with Executive Director Mark Fink praising the impact of Joy’s tenure and the Unstudied Adams County series.

“Kerrie Joy’s residency has created space for authentic expression, reflection and connection throughout Adams County,” said Fink. “This final Unstudied event is a celebration of her incredible work and the countless community voices she’s inspired along the way.”

As Joy prepares to pass the torch, Anythink Libraries and Adams County reaffirm their shared commitment to nurturing creative voices and the arts.

“We are so honored to have had Kerrie Joy as the inaugural Adams County Poet Laureate,” said Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of County Commissioners. “Her work has formed new pathways for the literary arts in Adams County and created a strong foundation for future artists who will fill this impactful role.”

Poets of all ages, skill levels and abilities are welcome to join the open mic, with in-person sign-up beginning at 5:30pm. Performers are welcome to share original poetry in any language. No registration is required to attend the event, which will be hosted in English.

Event Details:

• Unstudied Adams County: Kerrie Joy’s Final Event
  • Saturday, August 16 | 5:30–8:30 pm
  • Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton
  • All ages welcome | Free admission | No registration required

For more information, visit events.anythinklibraries.org/event/14279625.

About Anythink Libraries

Anythink, an award-winning public library system, serves the residents of Adams County, Colorado via its seven branches and a bookmobile. With a mission to “Open Doors for Curious Minds,” Anythink is a catalyst for innovation and provides comfortable spaces, accessible resources and hands-on programming for all ages. Guided by values of creativity, optimism, compassion and lifelong learning, the library system is committed to representing the diversity of Adams County and creating a sense of belonging for everyone. Anythink’s digital resources are available 24/7—including Anythink World, the library's custom virtual experience platform in the metaverse. The library’s customer experience also extends to specialty spaces and hands-on programs like The Studio, the Nature Library and mySummer. Whether you're exploring a new topic or mastering a skill, discover something new at Anythink. Learn more: anythinklibraries.org

About Unstudied

Started in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, Kerrie Joy’s Unstudied series connects audiences with current and historic local talent. Whether the featured performer is an emerging writer or an established creative, Unstudied creates a bridge between artists and audiences, celebrating community and self-expression. Kerrie Joy introduced Unstudied Adams County as part of her role as the Adams County Poet Laureate.