Marcus Amaker Named Artist-in-Residence at the Gaillard Center

In partnership with the Free Verse Poetry Festival, this program emphasizes the power of the written word, while educating students on the importance of voice. Featuring interactive elements, this engaging performance is for all ages. Additionally, he will continue to host the Gaillard Center’s annual poetry contest.

“The Charleston Gaillard Center’s Education Initiative is honored to work with esteemed poet Marcus Amaker as our Artist-in-Residence,” Sterling de’Vries, Charleston Gaillard Center’s Director of Education, said. “Marcus will have the opportunity to teach in area schools, host an educational performance and a poetry slam. His talent as a teaching artist inspires students to write and assists teachers with the difficult task of sparking creativity through poetry. Marcus is a gifted artist with the power to reach students through spoken word.”

Marcus Amaker has published seven poetry books and has been mentioned in The New York Times as well as been featured on TEDxCharleston, PBS Newshour, the A&E network, The Huffington Post, Alaska Beyond Magazine, SC Public Radio, and many local media outlets. As poet laureate, Amaker visits many schools to conduct poetry workshops and to inspire students to write. He also created Charleston’s first poetry festival, Free Verse. Charleston Business Magazine named him one of Charleston’s 50 Most Influential People in 2016. Amaker strives to support budding poets through an array of opportunities and programs.

Charlton Singleton will continue in the role as Artist-in-Residence Emeritus at the Charleston Gaillard Center, continuing to lead the Youth Jazz Orchestra, the summer jazz program and Jazz Through the Ages educational program.

Visit gaillardcenter.org for more information about the Charleston Gaillard Center.