Sunday, May 18 2025

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The Pico poet is sharing news about a fresh city role

Anne Carmack, a fixture in the Pico neighborhood for two decades, is transitioning from serving customers at Lo/Cal Coffee & Market to serving up Santa Monica's vibrant literary scene in a newly established city role.


In March, Carmack embarked on a two-year tenure as the city's Poet Laureate, a position focused on community engagement to showcase Santa Monica's diverse literary arts and support local arts education through various events. Mayor Phil Brock initiated the program after encountering similar poets representing the Los Angeles area, leading to the City Council's resolution to establish the position in August 2023. Carmack's formal introduction to the community took place on April 20 with a workshop and reception at the Santa Monica Main Library, and she will be participating in this Saturday's Arts and Literacy Festival at Virginia Avenue Park.


Mayor Brock expressed excitement about Santa Monica having its own Poet Laureate, anticipating community events to celebrate April as National Poetry Month and Arts Month, and acknowledging Anne Carmack's significant contributions to the city.


Carmack's affinity for writing and poetry blossomed from a young age when her parents gifted her a typewriter as a creative outlet.


"I had a lot of energy...so my parents just encouraged me to write, and poetry came naturally to me," Carmack recalled. "Although my early poetry may not have been exceptional, I've always enjoyed writing and sharing it as gifts."

Moving to Los Angeles with dreams of screenwriting, Carmack eventually settled in the Pico neighborhood of Santa Monica, drawn to its warmth and sense of community. Now, as Poet Laureate, she plans to give back to the neighborhood by crafting a unique poem commemorating the Pico Branch Library's 10th anniversary, incorporating words suggested by locals during the Arts and Literacy Festival.



During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carmack turned to poetry as a creative outlet during challenging times, finding solace in its ability to connect and uplift others. Her debut poetry collection, "My Own Body Breathing," became an Amazon best-seller within a day of its release in 2020.


Despite initially feeling like a "long shot" for the Poet Laureate position, Carmack's passion for poetry shone through during the interview process, leaving a lasting impression on the selection committee.


Library Manager Karen Reitz praised Carmack's enthusiasm and thoughtfulness, noting how her energy resonated during workshops and events.


Carmack remains grounded in her role at Lo/Cal as a cook while embracing the opportunity to lead poetry workshops and engage with aspiring poets. Reflecting on her unexpected journey, she finds joy in the balance of her diverse roles and looks forward to the journey ahead.

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