High Country Poet Laureate
Hilda Downer: 2025 - 2027
I have been writing poetry since before I learned how to write. I could remember the tunes, but not the lyrics, of hymns sung at Silver Chapel Church in Bandana, Mitchell County. I had to make up my own words so I could sing at home.
My first book of poetry was released by Red Clay Press in 1978 when I was 20, still a student majoring in Biology at Appalachian State University. Though my careers have been teaching and psychiatric nursing, poetry has been a constant in my life. I hold an MA in English and an MFA in Poetry.
For the past two years in my poetry class at the Western Watauga Senior Citizens Center, it has been fulfilling to see people in their 80’s begin to write and grow in the craft. My aim is to also empower young people with the skills and resources to write, share work, and know poetry is there for them. As the mother of a professional musician and of a professional landscape artist, I believe all the arts are inseparable, and that we need more opportunity for all arts to come together.
“I endorse her for the position of HCPL with unbridled enthusiasm, confidence and joy. I’ve known her and her fine work and work ethic for well over a quarter of a century and I do not think the High Country could name a more dedicated, talented, and hard-working inaugural poet laureate. She is the perfect choice and will prove that again and again as she brings the good news about poetry to all she comes in contact with in our beloved region and beyond.
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“Hilda’s breadth and depth of knowledge in the realm of poetry and the written word is amazing.
Hilda has received awards and accolades at the local and state level for her work over the years and has taught English at the college level and poetry workshops to share her talents with others.
Here at the library, she has consistently been involved in any poetry programs, open mics and talks we have had here. If poetry is involved, she is present and is a go-to trusted person for all things poetry-related.
There is no better choice to lead the way with this new initiative to promote poetry in our communities. She will serve as a wonderful role model, inspiration and mentor for future poets.
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About Hilda
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This is a frequently asked question?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
This is a frequently asked question?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
This is a frequently asked question?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
This is a frequently asked question?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.