Poet Sherwin Bitsui’s biography reads like poetry: He is Diné (Navajo) of the Todich’ìi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for the Tl’ízílání (Many Goats Clan). Deeply connected to his culture, the bard graduated from the creative writing program at the Institute of American Indian Arts, then went on to write Flood Song and Shapeshift. Bitsui’s exploration of the differences between native and nonnative cultures resonated with readers, earning him a 2010 PEN Open Book Award, among other literary laurels. The introspective wordsmith heads to the Vermont Studio Center, where he excerpts selected verse as part of the center’s visiting writer series.

Price: Free.