New poet laureate sought for Nevada

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004 | 9:45 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- A poet laureate by any other name -- is probably a good idea after 37 years, state arts officials say.

Norman Kaye of Las Vegas has been Nevada's Poet Laureate since 1967; now the Nevada Arts Council wants to find a replacement. Kaye will receive the title of Poet Laureate Emeritus.

The council said Monday it is accepting nominations for the position that serves a three-year term and promotes poetry as an art form. The new laureate would participate in a variety of public cultural and educational events. Funding from the Hilliard Endowment Fund of Reno and the Nevada Arts Council will provide an annual $2,000 to support the activities of the new poet laureate.

Those seeking the post must be Nevada residents and available to take part in public activities.

A committee made up of two published Nevada writers, one former poet laureate from a Western state and a representative of Gov. Kenny Guinn will nominate three people. The governor will make the final choice.

Kaye, a member of the popular lounge group of the 1950s and '60s, the Mary Kaye Trio, has published songs, but he has never had his poetry published.

Applications must be submitted by Nov. 30 to the arts council, www.nevadaartscouncil.org.