September 15, 2011

Roberto Ascalon is a poet, writer, arts educator, and spoken-word performance artist who lives in West Seattle. Roberto uses his love for the craft of poetry to transform the world that surrounds him. He connects with audiences via universal narratives that encompass topics such as racism, first kisses, love, family, and Spam. He has taught at Nova High School and participated in Seattle Arts and Lectures Writers-in-the Schools program. Roberto currently works as a teaching artist and mentor for Arts Corps, Youth Speaks Seattle, and the Service Board.

Clare Lilliston is a young poet currently making a home in her birthplace of Seattle, Washington. In 2007, she served as Richard Hugo House’s youth writer-in-residence, facilitating workshops and the monthly youth open mic, Stage Fright. She has been a two-time member of the Youth Speaks Seattle Poetry Slam Team (2008 and 2009), travelling to Washington, D.C. and Chicago to compete in the international youth poetry festival Brave New Voices. Her first chapbook is forthcoming.