In June, Ogden City Arts announced in a press release that the Ogden City Arts Advisory Committee had selected Sunni Brown Wilkinson to represent the literary arts in Ogden for a two-year term.

“As Poet Laureate, Wilkinson will make public appearances and present poetry throughout the community while continuing her commitment to expanding literary arts opportunities for local students and residents,” the release said.

Wilkinson said she’s excited for the coming opportunity.

“I’m thrilled to bring together two things I love deeply: poetry and community,” she said in the release. “I believe in the power of both to heal, unite, and inspire. Ogden has an amazing spirit of diversity and creativity, and I’m excited to add another layer of the literary arts to its already rich personality.”

The release adds that “Wilkinson is an award-winning poet, essayist, and author of three poetry collections, including “Rodeo,” winner of the 2024 Donald Justice Poetry Prize. She teaches creative writing at Weber State University and co-directs Ogden’s Railtown Reading Series, which showcases notable writers from across the West.”

Jan Hamer, literary arts chair of the Ogden City Arts Advisory Committee, said that Wilkinson will help boost Ogden’s arts scene even further.

“We are excited to welcome Sunni as Ogden’s fourth Poet Laureate,” Hamer said. “She is a highly regarded poet and has taught poetry at Weber State University for many years. Ogden is fortunate to have such a vibrant local poetry scene and a successful Poet Laureate program, and we look forward to seeing what Sunni will bring to our community over the next two years.”

According to the release, Wilkinson’s work has several national honors, including the Joy Harjo Prize and New Ohio Review’s NORward Poetry Prize. Her latest collection, “Rodeo,” was long-listed for the 2026 PEN/Voelcker Poetry Award.

“Through her service as Poet Laureate, Wilkinson will help elevate the literary arts in Ogden by engaging residents through readings, educational opportunities, and community programming that celebrates the power of poetry and storytelling,” the release said.

For more information on Sunni Wilkinson, visit sunnibrownwilkinson.com.