The Mount Vernon Area Arts Council (MVAAC) has named a new poet laureate and artist in residence for 2025-26.
Published author and Cornell English professor Scott Russell Morris has been awarded the role of Mount Vernon poet laureate. Established in 2018, the position is a partnership with the City of Mount Vernon and has become an integral part of local community events. Previous poet laureates Marianne Taylor and Amelia Kibbie have presented original works at the City’s annual Memorial Day ceremony, hosted Writer’s Nights, held workshops and poetry presentations as well as offered poems on demand.
“The Poet laureate position has become a well-established role and I believe it speaks to the sense of importance and respect our community holds for the arts,” said Tiffany Carr, MVAAC president. “Scott Russell Morris is a well-traveled writer/essayist and sees his new role of poet laureate as an opportunity to ‘raise the esteem of writing in the community and encourage people to explore writing as a creative practice.’ Morris says he is interested in giving back to the community and being a voice for promoting the arts.’
We are thrilled to name Morris as the next Mount Vernon Poet Laureate and can’t wait to experience how he and his work will positively impact our community.”
Mount Vernon artist Angie Heuton has been selected as the 2025-26 Artis in Residence (AIR). Initiated in 2023 by MVAAC, the AIR program will provide Heuton and her work a platform within the Mount Vernon-Lisbon community.
Together with Cornell’s Colee Library, Heuton will continue supporting Creatives Connect, a monthly gathering of artists as well as organizing programs and workshops for various groups.
“I’m hoping to organize a program for nursing home residents, as well as something at the Lester Buresh Wellness Center,” said Heuton.
Like her predecessor Sarah Fitzgerald, she also plans to have an exhibit of her work.
“Once again, we are excited about the opportunities for community engagement in the arts through MVAAC’s Artis in Residence Program,” Carr said. “Angie is a well-respected artist working primarily in watercolor on shaped paper to create realistic, three-dimensional pieces that include butterflies and moths. Her work is featured in multiple local galleries.
Heuton sees her new role as a ‘steward of culture in the community – an ambassador representing the arts.’
Morris and Heuton were selected by an MVAAC committee after submitting applications and work samples. For more information about MVAAC programming and arts opportunities, visit mvaac.org.