Clare Chu named Cathedral City’s inaugural poet laureate

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - Cathedral City has appointed author, curator and arts scholar Clare Chu as the city's inaugural poet laureate, officials announced today.

The honorary and volunteer position aims to promote literary arts, cultural identity and community engagement.  

Her two-year tenure will being immediately, with her first public appearance planned at the city's 10th annual Halloween Spooktacular event Sunday.

"Clare's experience, heart for community and artistic breadth bring immense value to Cathedral City,'' Assistant City Manager Anne Ambrose said in a statement. "Her work will strengthen our cultural identity and ensure poetry is accessible and engaging for all residents.''

Chu has authored 12 books and several academic articles on Asian art, and has expertise in Chinese snuff bottles. She has served as a gallery owner, exhibition curator, auction consultant, lecturer, director and secretary of the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society. Chu currently serves as a director of snuff bottles collectors of California. She curated numerous exhibitions at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Walters Art Museum.  

Additionally, Chu's poetry has appeared in several literary publications and she is the author of ``The Sand Dune Teacher'' and ``Objects Heavy in This Life."

During her term, Chu will lead numerous new programs ``designed to inspire creativity and invite the community to connect through poetry," including community poetry workshops, seasonal poetry readings and cultural events and a youth poetry project, officials said.