This series presents readings by a range of emerging, mid-career, and established poets from St. Louis and across the United States. The 100 Boots Poetry Series is co-organized by Jessica Baran, poet and Associate Director of Curatorial and Program Development at Barrett Barrera & Projects Plus Gallery; and Ted Mathys, poet and educator at St. Louis University. Limited-edition broadsides, created by artist Sage Dawson, will be available for free to audience members, and a selection of the poets’ books are for sale courtesy of Left Bank Books. The second event of the season features readings by poets Jen Bervin and Julian Talamantez Brolaski. We encourage visitors to arrive early due to limited seating.
Jen Bervin (she/her) is a visual artist and poet with research-driven works weaving art, writing, science, and life. Her recent Silk Poems (Nightboat Books, 2017) are based on the DNA structure and crawling patterns of silk worms, a love letter from the perspective of the silk worm to person wearing the silk bio-sensor. In August 2018, Bervin conducted research on Ruth Asawa at The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation in Bethany, Connecticut. Finally, Bervin is a SETI artist-in- residence where she integrates the arts and sciences.
Julian Talamantez Brolaski (it/its) is the author of Of Mongrelitude (Wave Books, 2017), which was recently shortlisted for a Lambda Literary Award for Transgender Poetry; Advice for Lovers (City Lights, 2012); and Gowanus Atropolis (Ugly Duckling Press, 2011). Talamantez Brolaski is co-editor of NO GENDER: Reflections on the Life & Work of Kari Edwards, as well as lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Brooklyn-based Juan & the Pines and Oakland-based The Western Skyline.Talamantez Brolaski is currently at work on The Apache Pollen Path (forthcoming from University of New Mexico Press) with its grandmother, Inés Talamantez.
