Karen Terrey, Nevada County Poet Laureate 2025.Nevada County Arts Council has announced the appointment of Truckee-based writer and educator Karen Terrey as the 2025 Nevada County Poet Laureate, according to a press release.
Nevada County Arts Council will celebrate this transition of poetic leadership at two Passing of the Laurels events: March 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Alibi Truckee and on March 29 at 6:30 PM at The Stone House in Nevada City. The Truckee event will feature a conversation and poetry reading by Terrey and Casey, followed by an open mic hosted by Terrey.
Chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, Terrey was selected by a committee of literary and arts professionals, along with Nevada County Library staff. Her deep-rooted commitment to the region’s literary scene, her published works and her vision for community engagement made her the ideal candidate.
“This is such an honor, especially following in the footsteps of Kirsten Casey,” said Terrey in the release. “I’m excited to connect, spark and catalyze the work and magic of poetry in our many communities. Asan artist, being a literary citizen and fostering a sense of belonging is what drives me. My goal is to bring poetry’s power of voice and inspiration into daily life. I’m giddy with the possibilities.”
Terrey, who earned her MFA from Goddard College in 2007, founded Tangled Roots Writing, a hub for literary mentorship and workshops. She teaches poetry and creative writing at Sierra College’s Tahoe-Truckee Campus, and her efforts to bridge communities through writing have included co-hosting a literary reading series in Truckee and leading a popular workshop series in partnership with the Truckee Library, Truckee Cultural District, Nevada County Library, and the Senior Center. Her poetry collection, “Bite and Blood” (Finishing Line Press, 2015), reflects her distinctive voice—one that she hopes to amplify in this new role.
“Poetry is a powerful agent of change,” says Terrey. “I hope to serve as a bridge, fostering inclusivity and connection through the written and spoken word.”
