The Arts Commission in March held a ‘passing of the pen’ celebration with Dingle’s predecessor, Armin Tolentino presenting her with a traditional laurel wreath

VANCOUVER – The Clark County Arts announced recently that it has selected Washougal resident Susan Dingle as Clark County Poet Laureate. Dingle will serve 2024-2026 promoting the art of poetry and literature throughout Clark County. Her term began April 1.

The Arts Commission in March held a “passing of the pen” celebration with Dingle’s predecessor, Armin Tolentino presenting her with a traditional laurel wreath. 

Dingle earned a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her poetry has been published in several periodicals, and she is the author of two books: In Pilgram Drag, published by Finishing Line Press and Parting Gifts, published by Local Gems. Dingle earned a master of social work degree at SUNY Stony Brook University and is a licensed clinical social worker and alcohol and substance abuse counselor.

Susan Dingle hosts Poetry Street PNW, an open mic event held monthly at the Camas Library. She also has led poetry workshops at the Attic Gallery in Camas and Discover Recovery also in Camas. Prior to moving to Clark County, Dingle created a public arts project called Poetry Street, an open mic event to foster diversity and inclusion in the Town of Riverhead, New York, a historically segregated community. Dingle and a poet from the town’s African American community created monthly reading events. For her efforts, Dingle was awarded the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Meritorious Award from First Baptist Church in Riverhead in addition to being recognized by the Town of Riverhead. 

“My mission is to bring the community to poetry and poetry to the community, benefiting the community by fostering diversity,” says Dingle. 

Learn more about Susan Dingle at www.thepoetryofwellbeing.com. 

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.