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Joseph Hutchison, Colorado Poet Laureate 2014-2019, has published 20 collections of poems and edited or co-edited three poetry anthologies. He currently directs two master’s-level programs for University College at the University of Denver: Professional Creative Writing and Arts & Culture Management. Joe lives with his wife, Melody Madonna, in the mountains southwest of Denver, Colorado, the city where he was born. 
Thank you, Joe. These two prizes help support our Talking Gourds poetry program in Telluride. By participating in these contests, poets help us maintain our readings and awards projects on the Western Slope; they get in the running for prize money; and we offer them feedback on their entries, if they’d like