Meet the Connecticut State Troubadour and Poets Laureate

Connecticut’s State Troubadour and Poets Laureate are ambassadors of the arts. These inspiring artists are nominated by Connecticut residents and evaluated by a peer panel and the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) for their distinction within their fields, portfolios of work, and contributions to the arts community. The COA is committed to building a community that is respectful and responsive to the diverse talents, skills, and abilities of all people.

Connecticut State Troubadour

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A person standing in a wooded area on a sunny day. The individual is holding an acoustic guitar with a light wood finish and dark tuning pegs. They are wearing a dark green, textured long-sleeve shirt and dark pants.

Charlie Widmer

Charlie Widmer is an award winning multi-genre singer-songwriter, educator, actor, and producer who inspires people with his musical performances.  
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Connecticut State Poet Laureate

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Antoinette Brim-Bell

Antoinette Brim-Bell

Antoinette is a poet, printmaker, and author of These Women You Gave Me, Icarus in Love, and Psalm of the Sunflower.
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Connecticut Youth Poet Laureate

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A a portrait of a young women with long straight dark hair with a blurred background.

Ziyi Yan

Ziyi Yan is writer and performer from Connecticut and Beijing, China. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally by The Poetry Society, The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, and more. 

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