Bernadette Mayer Memorial Celebration

This spring, The Poetry Project will honor the memory of beloved poet Bernadette Mayer (1945-2022). The author of more than 30 books, including the groundbreaking experiments Memory (1975), Midwinter Day (1982), and Utopia (1984), Mayer worked as Artistic Director at the Project from 1980-84. Through the workshops that she led at St. Mark’s starting in the early 70s, Mayer encouraged generations of poets to “work your ass off to change the language.” On May 12, 2023, Mayer’s 78th birthday, her friends, family and loved ones will gather in the Sanctuary at St. Mark’s to celebrate her extraordinary life. We welcome anyone who feels a meaningful connection to her life and work to join us for this event.

Featuring remarks, readings, and performances from: Lee Ann Brown, Laynie Browne, Charlotte Carter, CAConrad, Brenda Coultas, Helen Decker, Bill DeNoyelles, Barbara Epler, Peter Gizzi, John Godfrey, Alyssa Gorelick, Bob Holman, Fanny Howe, Colter Jacobsen, Sarah La Puerta & Jared Samuel Elioseff, Annabel Lee, Erica Dawn Lyle, Greg Masters, Grace Murphy, Maureen Owen, Morgan Ritter, Ed Sanders, Sarah Steadman, Anne Waldman, Marie Warsh, and Don Yorty

Doors will open at 6, and the evening will begin with a presentation of the photographs and audio from Memory (1971). At 6:30, performances will start.

Special thanks to: Xavier Danto, Kayla Ephros, Philip Good, Deb Halpern, Rainer Diana Hamilton, Jennifer Karmin, Susan Mills, E.R. Pulgar, Morgan Ritter, Jasmine Sanders, Caroline Shadood, Eleni Sikelianos, Sam Truitt, Marie Warsh, Max Warsh, Sophia Warsh, and New Directions Press