Latest news with #AcademyofAmericanPoets
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Andrea Gibson, poet and the subject of an award-winning documentary, dies at 49
LOS ANGELES - Andrea Gibson, a poet, activist and subject of the documentary film "Come See Me in the Good Light," died on Monday following a four-year fight with ovarian cancer. They were 49. According to an announcement made on Instagram, Gibson died on Monday at their Longmont, Colorado, home at 4:16 a.m., "surrounded by their wife, Meg, four ex-girlfriends, their mother and father, dozens of friends, and their three beloved dogs." The post also included a quote from Gibson: "Whenever I leave this world, whether it's sixty years from now, I wouldn't want anyone to say I lost some battle. I'll be a winner that day." They were the author of seven poetry books and were well-recognized for their role in the documentary film "Come See Me in the Good Light," which won the Festival Favorite Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film follows both Gibson and their partner as they come to terms with their terminal cancer diagnosis. "Throughout the Festival, we saw audiences moved by Andrea Gibson's and Megan Falley's journeys in 'Come See Me in the Good Light,'" Sundance Film Festival Director of Programming Kim Yutani said to the fest's website. "Festival goers embraced the humor and heartbreak of this intimate documentary directed by Ryan White, as it speaks to art and love and reminds us what it means to be alive as we face mortality." Tig Notaro, a producer on the film, on Monday reminisced about the impact that Gibson had on poetry in the wake of their death. "As far as poetry went, I really only knew the roses are red type stuff. Then, Andrea Gibson walked on stage," Notaro wrote on Instagram. "Andrea was truly a rock star poet. So many of Andrea's words have quietly guided me through life's twists and turns- I will forever be so grateful." Gibson, born on Aug. 13, 1975, in Calais, Maine, was a two-time winner of the Independent Publisher's award in 2019 and 2021. They were named the ninth Poet Laureate of Colorado in September 2023, and they served until their death. The two-year title honors outstanding Colorado poets and promotes the art form. "Andrea's voice holds a fierce conviction in inspiring others to pursue art and take action toward solving social issues and they personify our Colorado for All spirit," Colorado Governor Jared Polis wrote in a press release upon Gibson's achievement in 2023. "I know Andrea will be a strong advocate for the arts and art education as a way to bring us together, has a strong desire for unity and to bring people together through poetry." On Monday, Polis remembered Gibson as "one of a kind" and an artist who "will be deeply missed." In 2008, Gibson won the first-ever Women of the World Poetry Slam. According to their Academy of American Poets profile, they received its Laureate Fellowship in 2024. "Meg and Heather, the authors of this post, have absolutely no idea how to encapsulate the magnitude and magnificence of a life like Andrea Gibson's," Monday's announcement continued. "So they intend to keep writing, to keep telling Andrea's story, to keep Andrea alive in every way they can. "Andrea would want you to know that they got their wish. In the end, their heart was covered in stretch marks." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Los Angeles Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Andrea Gibson, poet and the subject of an award-winning documentary, dies at 49
Andrea Gibson, a poet, activist and subject of the documentary film 'Come See Me in the Good Light,' died on Monday following a four-year fight with ovarian cancer. They were 49. According to an announcement made on Instagram, Gibson died on Monday at their Longmont, Colo. home at 4:16 a.m., 'surrounded by their wife, Meg, four ex-girlfriends, their mother and father, dozens of friends, and their three beloved dogs.' The post also included a quote from Gibson: 'Whenever I leave this world, whether it's sixty years from now, I wouldn't want anyone to say I lost some battle. I'll be a winner that day.' They were the author of seven poetry books and were well-recognized for their role in the documentary film 'Come See Me in the Good Light,' which won the Festival Favorite Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film follows both Gibson and their partner as they come to terms with their terminal cancer diagnosis. 'Throughout the Festival, we saw audiences moved by Andrea Gibson's and Megan Falley's journeys in 'Come See Me in the Good Light,'' Sundance Film Festival Director of Programming Kim Yutani said to the fest's website. 'Festival goers embraced the humor and heartbreak of this intimate documentary directed by Ryan White, as it speaks to art and love and reminds us what it means to be alive as we face mortality.' Tig Notaro, a producer on the film, on Monday reminisced about the impact that Gibson had on poetry in the wake of their death. 'As far as poetry went, I really only knew the roses are red type stuff. Then, Andrea Gibson walked on stage,' Notaro wrote on Instagram. 'Andrea was truly a rock star poet. So many of Andrea's words have quietly guided me through life's twists and turns- I will forever be so grateful.' Gibson, born on Aug. 13, 1975, in Calais, Maine, was a two-time winner of the Independent Publisher's award in 2019 and 2021. They were named the ninth Poet Laureate of Colorado in September 2023, and they served until their death. The two-year title honors outstanding Colorado poets and promotes the art form. 'Andrea's voice holds a fierce conviction in inspiring others to pursue art and take action toward solving social issues and they personify our Colorado for All spirit,' Colorado Governor Jared Polis wrote in a press release upon Gibson's achievement in 2023. 'I know Andrea will be a strong advocate for the arts and art education as a way to bring us together, has a strong desire for unity and to bring people together through poetry.' On Monday, Polis remembered Gibson as 'one of a kind' and an artist who 'will be deeply missed.' In 2008, Gibsonwon the first-ever Women of the World Poetry Slam. According to their Academy of American Poets profile, they received its Laureate Fellowship in 2024. 'Meg and Heather, the authors of this post, have absolutely no idea how to encapsulate the magnitude and magnificence of a life like Andrea Gibson's,' Monday's announcement continued. 'So they intend to keep writing, to keep telling Andrea's story, to keep Andrea alive in every way they can. 'Andrea would want you to know that they got their wish. In the end, their heart was covered in stretch marks.'
USA Today
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Andrea Gibson, featured in award-winning documentary, dies at 49 after cancer battle
Andrea Gibson, an author, performer and activist known for their spoken word poetry, died July 14 after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer. They were 49. Gibson died early July 14 at their home in Boulder, Colorado, "surrounded by their wife, Meg, four ex-girlfriends, their mother and father, dozens of friends, and their three beloved dogs," an announcement on Gibson's social media said. "Though Andrea desperately wished to have lived a longer life, they could not have possibly lived a fuller one," the announcement said. Gibson was the author of seven poetry books and one of the subjects of the documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light," which won the Festival Favorite Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Known for using their poetry for social commentary and LGBTQ activism, Gibson was also Colorado's poet laureate. Who was Andrea Gibson? About their poetry career Andrea Gibson was a poet and writer born on August 13, 1975, in Calais, Maine, according to their Academy of American Poets bio. They lived in Longmont, Colorado, at the time of their death on July 14. Gibson authored seven poetry books, including "You Better Be Lightning," "Lord of the Butterflies," "Take Me With You," "Pansy," "The Madness Vase" and "Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns." With their wife, Megan Falley, they also published the prose book "How Poetry Can Change Your Heart." They were a two-time winner of the Independent Publisher's Award — which honors independently published works — and a three-time Goodreads Choice Awards finalist. Gibson was also a four-time Denver Grand Slam Champion and the first winner of the Women of the World Poetry Slam in 2008. In 2023, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis named Gibson the state's ninth poet laureate, a two year post intended to promote an appreciation of poetry, according to a release. Gibson stars in award-winning documentary 'Come See Me in the Good Light' Gibson and their wife, Megan Falley, are the subjects of the 2025 documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light." The film, which is directed by Ryan White, follows Gibson and Falley as they face the former's incurable cancer diagnosis, according to a release from Apple TV+. Its executive producers include a slew of big names including Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Tig Notaro and more. 'Come See Me in the Good Light" premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it earned the Festival Favorite Award. The film also won the Audience Award at the Boulder International Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival and Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. It will debut on Apple TV+ this fall. The Sundance Film Festival said it was "deeply saddened" by Gibson's death in a tribute on Instagram. "With Megan's unwavering love beside them, Andrea's story stands as a profound testament to the enduring power of love, art, and resilience," the tribute said. "Our hearts are with Megan and all who held Andrea close." Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
City of Sacramento honors poet laureate Andru Defeye
( — The community of Sacramento is invited to a celebration that honors Sacramento Poet Laureate Andru Defeye and his impact on the city's literary and arts landscape, according to the City of Sacramento. Video Above: What is a book ban? The event takes from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 14 at City Hall room 1119. According to the city, Defeye was appointed as Sacramento's youngest poet laureate in 2020 and led efforts to elevate poetry and literary art across the city until 2024. He was awarded an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship, which funded several creative efforts in the city. His other accomplishments include expanding Sacramento Poetry Day into Sacramento Poetry Week and being a co-author on the Sacramento Poetry Center's Code of Conduct. SUSD, Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery host student art exhibit He is also known for advocating for mental health awareness, supporting equitable compensation for poets and connecting older adults with lifelong learning in the arts. 'Poetry is a powerful tool for social-emotional learning, especially for young people dealing with trauma,' Defeye said. Registration and more details about the event are available on Eventbrite. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Inevitable (Freestyle)
There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today's puzzle before reading further! Inevitable (Freestyle) Constructor: Amie Walker Editor: Amanda Rafkin UDON (63A: Kijoyu ___ (noodle dish)) UDON is a thick noodle that is used in a number of dishes in Japanese cuisine. Kijoyu UDON refers to UDON noodles served as a cold soup in a soy sauce and citrus broth. Thanks to the "noodle dish" hint, I was able to figure out this answer even though I wasn't previously familiar with kijoyu UDON. PICASSO (43D: Jewelry designer Paloma) Since 1980, French jewelry designer Paloma PICASSO has collaborated with Tiffany & Co., to create innovative, bold jewelry pieces. Paloma PICASSO is the daughter of painters Pablo PICASSO (1881-1973) and Françoise Gilot (1921-2023). In learning about Paloma PICASSO, I came across a quote of hers I really like, "Being strong also means not being afraid to change your mind, evolve, and periodically reinvent the way you do things." WALT (1A: "To You" poet Whitman) Although the poetry of WALT Whitman (1819-1892) was considered controversial in his time (too sensual!), he's now considered one of the most influential American poets. His Leaves of Grass poetry collection was first published in 1855, though several revised and expanded versions were later released. WALT Whitman's poem, "To You," which can be read on the Academy of American Poets website, begins, "Whoever you are, I fear you are walking the walks of dreams." MAROON (12A: "And how the blood rushed into my cheeks, so scarlet, it was ___") and TAY (54A: Swift, to Swifties) Taylor Swift – TAY to Swifties – released the song "MAROON" in 2022. The song is included on her Midnights album, and contains the line, "And how the blood rushed into my cheeks, so scarlet, it was MAROON." TEA (14A: Earl Grey or Sleepytime) Earl Grey TEA is a blend of tea to which bergamot oil has been added, giving it a unique scent and taste. Sleepytime is a variety of Celestial Seasonings TEA, and has been marketed by the company since 1972. In 1973, Beth the company introduced Sleepytime Bear as a mascot of Sleepytime TEA. ANYA (18A: "The Menu" star Taylor-Joy) The Menu is a 2022 movie about a celebrity chef hosting a dinner at his exclusive restaurant on a private island. The Menu is a horror movie, and things take a morbid turn as the dinner progresses. ANYA Taylor-Joy plays the role of Margot, one of the dinner guests. SINEW (39A: Muscle-bone connection) The connective tissue that connects muscles to bone is known as a tendon or SINEW. In contrast, the connective tissue that connects bone to other bones is a ligament. EAR (42A: Corn serving) I live in IOWA, the state that produces the most corn. In the summer, EARs of corn are prevalent around here. This clue/answer pair reminds me of a musical my husband and I saw recently. Shucked is a musical about corn; yes, you read that right, the musical is about corn. We didn't know much about Shucked before seeing it, other than that it was about corn. We enjoyed it so much. We laughed a ton at all of its corny humor. I recommend seeing it if you ever get the opportunity. THE LUCKIEST (49A: Ben Folds song with the lyric "Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls brought me here") From 1993-2000 and 2011-2013, Ben Folds was the frontman of the alt rock trio, Ben Folds Five. He's also recorded a number of solo albums. His debut solo album, Rockin' the Suburbs, includes the song "THE LUCKIEST." MAIN (53A: Disneyland's ___ Street, U.S.A.) MAIN Street, U.S.A. is one of the themed areas at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. MAIN Street is designed to resemble a typical Midwest town in the early 20th century, and was inspired by Walt Disney's hometown, Marceline, Missouri. MAIN Street, USA has a town square, shops, a train station, and a firehouse. Walt Disney had a personal apartment on the second floor of the firehouse where he would stay when he visited the park. (The apartment is still there, but is not open to the public.) Sleeping Beauty Castle is at the far end of MAIN Street, U.S.A. CERA (61A: "Barbie" actor Michael) In the 2023 movie, Barbie, Michael CERA portrays Allan. Allan is the only male resident of Barbieland that is not named Ken. ARABIC (2D: Language from which "alchemy" is derived) In addition to "alchemy," the words "algebra," "algorithm," and "alcohol" are also derived from ARABIC. SHAPES (8D: Hearts, e.g.) This straight forward clue proved to be a little tricky for me. Hearts can refer to multiple things – organs, emojis, symbols, playing cards, etc. – that I needed a couple of letters from crossing answers before I realized that hearts are, of course, SHAPES. MYA (31D: 2001 "Lady Marmalade" singer) The song "Lady Marmalade" was a hit for Labelle in the 1970s. In 2001, Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, MÝA, and Pink recorded a version of "Lady Marmalade" for the Moulin Rouge! movie's soundtrack. IDLI (40D: Savory rice cake) IDLI is a savory rice cake that originated in South India. STAN (45D: Name found in "fast and loose") I'm a fan of the occasional hidden name clue. ENOLA (50D: Netflix's "___ Holmes") Netflix's ENOLA Holmes movies are based on Nancy Springer's book series, The ENOLA Holmes Mysteries. The books and movies borrow characters and settings from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books about Sherlock Holmes, adding a new character, a sister twenty years younger than Sherlock. Millie Bobby Brown portrays ENOLA Holmes in the movies. There are currently two ENOLA Holmes movies, but I'm happy to say that filming on a third movie is scheduled to begin in April. I look forward to another installment in this delightful series. SOL (59D: Sun, in Spanish) I appreciate getting a review of Spanish vocabulary. In Spanish, SOL is sun, and luna is moon. A few other clues I especially enjoyed: CLOWN NOSES (56A: Some circus performers' red accessories) SIGH (64A: "Best weekend ever" sound) CUTEST (47D: "Why are you the ___ thing ever?") INEVITABLE (Freestyle): There's no theme today, as this is a freestyle, or themeless, puzzle. The title is a nod to THE LUCKIEST (49A: Ben Folds song with the lyric "Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls brought me here"). In addition to the answers I highlighted above, I enjoyed the one-sided conversation that seems to be happening in the upper part of the puzzle. It starts off with "I HAVE TO ASK..." (16A: "Tell me if it's none of my business, but..."). Wait, "HEAR ME OUT" (24A: "Just listen before you say anything"). Or "BETTER YET" (36A: "Here's an option you might like more"). Thank you, Amie, for this delightful puzzle. USA TODAY's Daily Crossword Puzzles Sudoku & Crossword Puzzle Answers This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Crossword Blog & Answers for February 8, 2025 by Sally Hoelscher
