Poet Laureate Program

Poetry Events

Complimentary poetry workshops are open to poets of all levels. An RSVP is not required for workshops.

Caffeinated Verse: includes a featured reader, followed by an open mic format. Workshops take place in-person.

The Write Time: Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie will use prompts and examples to explore different forms of poetry, inspire poetry approaches, and encourage new works. Workshops take place in-person.

  • Love, Letters, Poetry, and Art for Creation - Saturday, July 15, 2023, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Malibu Library, featuring Dr. Ericha Scott

Jubilations: Hosted by the Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie. A gathering themed to celebrate joy in a time of whelming possibilities, to give voice to the true nature of vitality modeled on the natural world, to attend to the power of love and joy. Gathering is open air and features selected poets, and open mic, and conversation. Complimentary and an RSVP is not required.

  • June 22, 2023, 5:00 PM, Malibu Bluffs Park, featuring Dr. Jose Ortega, Anita McLaughlin, and Eileen Fiori
  • August 17, 2023, 5:00 PM, Malibu Bluffs Park

Malibu Poet Laureate

Photo of Ann Buxie, Poet LaureateMalibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie was appointed by the City Council on August 23, 2021, to serve as the 2021-2023 Poet Laureate.

Ms. Buxie has hosted Tales by the Sea since 1995, a program for literary artists to share their stories, and shortly thereafter expanded the program to include poetry readings as By the Sea events. Her passion for community engagement led to the creation of the City's Malibu Poet Laureate program, and she has assisted with other successful poetry programs such as Caffeinated Verse, Poetry Stones at City parks, and Verse About Town while serving on the Poet Laureate Committee. During her term, Ms. Buxie plans to generate interest in poetry by focusing on Malibu's mission to preserve its ecological relationship with the land by calling on local poets to help foster that mission. She plans to enhance the Arts and Education program while focusing on various collaborations with visual and literary artists.

Questions related to the Poet Laureate program or arts programming may be directed to Kristin Riesgo, Community Services Deputy Director. 

Malibu Poet Laureates

Dr. John StruloeffOctober 2020 - June 2021
Ellen ReichMarch 2019 - April 2020
Ricardo Means YbarraMarch 2017 - March 2019


2022 Poetry and Art Student Anthology 
"There are only happy mistakes when you are with me" includes poems by Malibu Elementary School and Webster Elementary School 5th grade classes, Malibu Middle School Lapajne English Class, Malibu High School Carrier Creative Writing Class, and poems from Levy and Matthew Distance Learning Classes. Student artist from grades Kindergarten to 12 are also featured in this year's Anthology, which is available at Malibu City Hall Community Services Department. 
 
2021 Malibu Poetry Anthologies 
"A Place Like This" edited by former Malibu Poet Laureate John Struloeff, with support from the Poet Laureate Committee and the Malibu Arts Commission. The anthology includes work from 41 poets and their biographical information. 
 
 "Quilt" features poetry and art from fifth-grade students at Malibu Elementary School. Students attended poetry writing workshops with former Poet Laureate Ricardo Means Ybarra and Jolynn Regan. The program also included art lessons with Nicole Fisher. 

 Questions related to the Community Anthologies may be directed to Kristin Riesgo, Community Services Deputy Director or call (310) 456-2489, ext. 350.