Contrary Visions (1988) Gathering Light (1993) Death Comes Riding (1999) Greatest Hits (2001) River Country (2008) The Embrace: Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo (2013)
Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda[1] (born 1946) was named Poet Laureate of Virginia[2] by the Governor, Tim Kaine, on June 26, 2006. She succeeded Rita Dove and served in this position from June 2006 – July 2008. While serving as Poet Laureate, Carolyn started the "Poetry Book Giveaway Project" and added the "Poets Spotlight"[3] to her webpage highlighting one poet from the Commonwealth each month, in addition to traveling widely to promote poetry in every corner of Virginia.
Carolyn is a lifelong educator and has received numerous literary and academic honors. She gives poetry readings in public and private settings and offers workshops in museums, libraries, and universities. Her service-oriented projects include stints in nursing homes and homeless shelters. From 2010 to 2011, she served as a Literary Arts Specialist with former Virginia Poet Laureate, Claudia Emerson, on a Metrorail Public Art Project conceived by the Art-in-Transit Program of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Juried poems by Virginia writers, including past and present Poets Laureate of Virginia, will be integrated into artistic works by Martin Donlin, Barbara Grygutis, and David Dahlquist at three Tysons Corner metro stations, Tysons East, Tysons Central 7, and Tysons West.[4]
Carolyn is an abstract colorist painter, and her paintings have been featured in solo exhibitions throughout northern, central, and eastern Virginia.
Biography
Early life and education
Kreiter-Foronda was born in Central Virginia in 1946. She spent her youth in Crewe, Pulaski, and Sandston, Virginia. As a young child, Carolyn avidly read poetry and wrote her first poem prior to entering elementary school. Encouraged by her parents, who were both educators, to hone her creative skills, she devoted hours to writing poetry and fiction. Her parents also influenced her decision to become an English and creative writing teacher. Her mother, Lucille Kreiter, was her teacher in fifth and sixth grades. Her father, Victor Kreiter, Sr., was her high school principal at Highland Springs High School. While attending high school, she developed an interest in journalism and became a staff member of the school newspaper, Highland Fling. She also served as a Youth Page correspondent for the Richmond News Leader, the city's afternoon daily newspaper. She was inducted into Quill and Scroll, National Honor Society, and the Beta Club. She also belonged to the Interclub Council and Future Teachers of America. During her sophomore year she received a Citizenship Award, and as a senior she was awarded a Future Teachers of America Scholarship and the Dr. Joseph Haven Hoge Memorial Scholarship for university study. Her parents encouraged her to attend Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington), the women's division of the University of Virginia.
A member of Hoofprints, Carolyn won several first-place awards in horse shows and was selected a Reserve Champion, Intermediate Level, in the 1967 Spring Horse Show. During her senior year she served as president of the Student Education Association and as vice-president of the Student Virginia Education Association. In 1969 she graduated with a B.A. in English (Mortar Board). In 2008 she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa (Kappa of Virginia) as an alumni member.
Career
In August 1969, Carolyn started her teaching career at West Springfield High School in Springfield, Virginia. While teaching full-time, she received a Master of Arts, a Master in Education, and a Ph.D. degree from George Mason University, where she studied creative writing under the award-winning poets, Peter Klappert and Ai. In 1983, she was awarded the first doctorate presented by the school. She won a Scholarship and Service Award and a Letter of Recognition for Quality Research from the Virginia Educational Research Association for her dissertation, Gathering Light: A Poet's Approach to Poetry Analysis. In 2007, she was named Alumna of the Year by both the University of Mary Washington and George Mason University.
Retirement
Educational - After retiring from a 31-year career in education, Carolyn developed a statewide poetry-in-the-schools program at the request of the Poetry Society of Virginia to promote poetry at all instructional levels (K-University). She co-edited with Edward W. Lull an instructional guide, entitled Four Virginia Poets Laureate: A Teaching Guide and secured grant funding to place copies of this book in various educational settings and libraries. She also led an effort through the Poetry Society of Virginia to fund an endowed poetry prize for deserving creative writing students at Virginia colleges and universities. To date, the College Prize, under the auspices of the Academy of American Poets, has been established at the College of William and Mary, the University of Mary Washington, Old Dominion University, the University of Richmond, and Virginia Tech.
After being appointed Poet Laureate in July 2006, Carolyn launched a Poetry Book Giveaway Project. White Pine Press, University of Arkansas Press, and the Poetry Society of Virginia have contributed books, poetry DVDs, and CDs to this effort. Carolyn has distributed these educational materials to universities and high schools throughout Virginia. She set up a Poet's Spotlight Page on her website (www.carolynforonda.com) to highlight the work of poets who have a strong Virginia connection. She devoted countless hours on the road giving poetry readings and workshops throughout the state. During her term as Poet Laureate, the Virginia State Board of Education honored her efforts with a Resolution of Appreciation for her recognition as Poet Laureate and for “her sustained leadership and devotion to promoting the writing and reading of poetry among Virginia's young people and to raising the study of the Arts to the highest level.”
Artistic - Carolyn also works as an abstract artist. She studied art for 17 years in northern Virginia under the award-winning painter, Irene Wood-Montgomery. Her paintings and sculpture have been exhibited in galleries, educational settings, and nursing homes throughout the state of Virginia. Carolyn is an abstract colorist, whose preferred medium is acrylic. Influenced by the non-representational style of Jackson Pollock and by the Washington, D.C. color field painter, Sam Gilliam, Carolyn experiments with color effects to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. Inspired by the late work of Henri Matisse, Carolyn creates textured cut-outs to achieve a representational effect.
Personal life
Carolyn and her husband reside in the River Country region of Virginia, where they have established a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, certified by the National Wildlife Federation. During their leisure time, they enjoy kayaking, Latin dancing and American-style ballroom dancing.
Published works
Carolyn has written poetry, a teaching guide, news articles, book chapters, a booklet; and her work was included in the 2009 Rappahannock Art League Calendar which features 11 poems from River Country.
Poetry books and anthologies
Urban Voices: 51 Poems from 51 American Poets co-editor with Joyce Brinkman, San Francisco Bay Press, Norfolk, VA (2014) [5]
Seasons of Sharing: A Kasen Renku Collaboration (poetry book by Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda and Joyce Brinkman with Catherine Aubelle, Flor Aguilera García, Gabriele Glang, & Kae Morii), Leapfrog Press, Fredonia, NY (2014)[6]
The Embrace: Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo (winner, 2014 Art in Literature: Mary Lynn Kotz Award), San Francisco Bay Press, San Francisco, CA (2013)[7]
Gathering Light (poetry book, e-version), Northampton House Press, Franktown, VA (2013)[8]
River Country (poetry book), San Francisco Bay Press, San Francisco, CA (2008)[9][10]
Four Virginia Poets Laureate: A Teaching Guide, co-editor with Edward W. Lull, Poetry Society of Virginia (2006)[11]
In a Certain Place (poetry anthology), co-editor with Alice Tarnowski, SCOP Publications, Inc., Catonsville, MD (2000)[13]
Death Comes Riding (poetry book), SCOP Publications, Inc., Catonsville, MD (cover photograph by the author) (1999)[14]
Gathering Light (poetry book, print edition), SCOP Publications, Inc., Catonsville, MD (cover painting and sculpture reproductions by the author) (1993)[15]
Contrary Visions (poetry book), published under the name, Carolyn Kreiter-Kurylo, Scripta Humanistica, Potomac, MD (cover painting by the author, paperback edition) (1988)[16]
Kae Morii, a Japanese poet from Tokyo, Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda, and Joyce Brinkman (not pictured) from Indiana, collaborated in writing a poem, entitled "Kasen Renga: Autumn," which was later translated into Japanese.
Carolyn's first poem written in Spanish and English appears in her book, Gathering Light. Other poems have since been translated into Spanish by Rei Berroa,[29] professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at George Mason University, and appear in the anthology, Cauteloso engaño del sentito, edited by Dr. Berroa, as part of Colección Libros de la Luna, Vol. No. 2, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana, 2007.[30]
Instructional Guide, The Capitol Connection, Satellite News Channel, ABC Video Enterprises, Inc., Fall 1983 (co-author, Dr. Michael Kelley, former Director of Television, George Mason University).
"Teaching the Skill of Analyzing for Tone." Teaching Thinking Skills: A Handbook for Secondary School Teachers. By Barry K. Beyer. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, Inc. 1991, pp. 225–247.
Articles (most notable)
"Beyond the Numbers." Muscarelle Museum of Art at the College of William & Mary. (Spring/Summer 2009).
"Poetry Up Front." Virginia Journal of Education (April 2008) 11–14.
"Art-Inspired Writing." Art Line (May 2004) 4–6.
"A Stroll on Top of the World." Patagonian Winds No. 2 (Fall 1997) 41–43.
"A Scottish Lesson in Loyalty." Educational Travel Review (Spring 1996) 10–11.
"Gifts That Keep on Giving." Educational Travel Review (Fall 1996) 21–22.
"Rain over Venice." Educational Travel Review (Winter 1995) 27.
"Paradise in the Clouds." Educational Travel Review (Winter 1993–94) 8–9.
"Teacher Perspectives." The Apple 12:3 (1992) Back cover.
"The Creative Process of Poetry Writing." Journal of Teaching Writing 2:2 (Fall 1983) 167–179.[33]
"Computers and Composition." The Writing Instructor 2:4 (1983) 174–181.
"Working with the ESL Student: Learning Patience, Making Progress." (co-author, Dr. Christopher J. Thaiss) The Writing Center Journal (Spring/Summer 1981) 41–46.
"All About Light: William Stafford." (Interview) Phoebe 10:2 (1980) 41–47.
"Inservice in School Divisions." VACTE 1979 Summer Conference Proceedings. Fairfax, VA: George Mason University. 1980, 43–47.
4th Grade Virginia SOL Daily Reading Reviews. Ed. Jenny Funk and Margaret Thompson. “Reading Selection: Azucena's Arpillera” by Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda. (March 2007: Thunks, Inc.)
Virginia Poets Laureate at the University of Mary Washington Reunion Day, June 3, 2011. Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda (2006–2008), Claudia Emerson (2008–2010), and Kelly Cherry (2010–2012)[34]Poets Laureate - Joyce Brinkman (Indiana) and Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda (Virginia) at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. in 2007
Resolution of Appreciation for Sustained Leadership and Devotion to Promoting the Writing and Reading of Poetry among Virginia's young people (Presented by the Virginia Board of Education )[41] (2006)
Richard, the Magician, Sculpture created by Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda to use as a teaching aid in the classroom. Private Collection. [44] Audio Interview
Independent Writing Consultant, Poet and Artist—Includes stints teaching art-inspired writing workshops for the Phillips Collection and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Statewide Partnership program (2000—present)
Artist-in-Residency, Richmond Community High School, funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Richmond Public Schools (2011)
Residency, “Poetry Comes Alive,” Kersey Creek Elementary School, funded by Hanover Education Foundation and PTA funds
Artist-in-Residency, Lancaster High School, funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and organized by the Rappahannock Art League (2009)
Fairfax County Public Schools: English Specialist in Area II Administrative office; Writing Resource Teacher in Area III Administrative office; Teacher of Advanced Placement English and Creative Writing I, II, III; English Department Chairperson; Director, Writing Center, West Springfield High School (1969—2000)
Teacher/Consultant in Writing, Northern Virginia Writing Project, George Mason University (1978—2000)
Adjunct Professor, George Mason University (1985–1989)
Poet/Artist, Poetry in the Schools, Alexandria City Public Schools, Virginia (1985—1987)
Creative Writing Instructor, workshops for young poets, Writer's Center, Bethesda, Maryland (1981–1983)
Instructor, The Writing Place, George Mason University (1980—1981)
Coordinator, George Mason University's Conference on the Teaching and Writing of Poetry and Fiction (1980)
Television Host, Cable Television, Channel 21, School scene, Red Apple, Fairfax County Public Schools (1993–1998)
TV Host, Cable Television, Channel 21, production of “Focus On,” Interviewed teachers, K–12, volunteer parents, and students, Fairfax County Public Schools (1991–1992)
Guest, Multicultural Show, A Rainbow of Colors, Channel 25, Fairfax County Public Schools (1992)
Host, Cable Television, Channel 21, production of Teacher Feature, Fairfax County Public Schools (1988–1991)
Other positions, posts and appointments
Poetry reading by Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda at the Cafe Gutenberg in Richmond, VA. October 2005
Executive Director, Poetry Society of Virginia (2007-2013)[45]
Poetry in the Schools Director, Poetry Society of Virginia (2001-2006)
Poetry Editor with Jane Ellen Glasser, Issue #1, Lady Jane's Miscellany, San Francisco Bay Press
Board of Directors, Yates House Fine Art and Craft Gallery (2006–2008)
Board of Directors, Chick Cove Association, Inc. (2004–2006)
Appointed Member, The Poetry Committee of the Greater Washington, D.C.
Editorial Board, SCOP Publications, Inc. (1993–2000)
Consulting Editor for San Francisco Bay Press (2008–2009)
Alumni Board of Directors, George Mason University (Dean's representative, College of Education and Human Services 1987–1989; Graduate Dean's representative, 1989–1990)
Virginia Regional Advisory Board, National Scholastic Magazines (1979–1980)
Virginia Association of Teachers of English Speakers’ Bureau (1979–1999)
Carolyn is an educator's educator, providing workshops for professionals on how to improve and incorporate literature, especially poetry, into the curriculum. She has provided sessions to teachers, as well as administrators, from Kindergarten through 12th to University levels. Topics include:
Articles / book reviews / interviews / feature stories about Kreiter-Foronda
2009 to present
Radio Interview. XTRA 99.1 FM. Gloucester, VA. May 24, 2013.
Chowning, Larry. "Hardyville Poet Featured in Anthology." Southside Sentinel. May 23, 2013, A8.
"Virginia's Poet Laureate to Visit Gloucester." Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal. May 23, 2013, 5A.
Price, Leah. "Poets Laureate Offer Verses that Inspire." Daily Press. April 26, 2013, P1.
McFarland, Laura. "Poet Laureate Offers Workshop at MSV." The Winchester Star. April 5, 2013.
Akers, Mary. "An Interview with Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda." r.kv.r.y. quarterly literary journal. vol. 6. #2 (Spring 2011)[47] article includes two paintings by Carolyn, as well as conversation about Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, topic of forthcoming book.[48][49]
Thomas, Margo. "Student Inspired by Poetry Lecture." Virginia Intermont College. November 5, 2010.[50]
Douglas, Keri. "An Interview with Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda" with Keri Douglas, April 10. 2009. AUDIO only[51] Audio only:second location.[52]
2008
Television Interview. Virginia Currents. WCVE, WHTJ, WCVW. January 10, 2008.
"Poet Laureate Pens New Book." Southside Sentinel. March 20, 2008, A12.[53]
Radio Interview. XTRA 99.1 FM. Gloucester, VA, April 14, 2008.
"Power of Poetry," The Richmond Dispatch. April 14, 2008[54]
"Poet Laureate Visits Library." The Progress Index. April 23, 2008, A3.
Malone, Mandy. "Near-Death Experience Fuels Author's Exploration of Life." Daily Press. April 27, 2008, G12.[55]
Ruehlmann, Bill. "In New Volume, Poet Laureate Finds Romance in the Ordinary." The Virginian-Pilot. May 18, 2008, p. 62.
Blaine, Michael. "Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda's River Country." The Broadkill Review. Volume 2. Issue 3. May 2008, p. 60.
"Book Report: River Country." University of Mary Washington Magazine. Summer 2008, p. 47.
Kirk, Kristen De Deyn. "The Show-It Poet." Hampton Roads Magazine. July/August 2008, p. 41.
Halstead, Nancy. "Cool Weather Reading: River Country." Pleasant Living. September/October 2008, p. 42.
"Alumni Return to Class." University of Mary Washington Magazine. Fall/Winter 2008.
Clark, Susannah. "Profiling a Well-Versed Alumna." The Bullet. November 19, 2008.
Television Interview. "Woman's World." Gloucester, Virginia, Fall 2008.
2007
Lohmann, Bill, "Spreading the Joy of Poetry." The Richmond Times-Dispatch. January 14, 2007, G1, G3.
"Dancing the Mambo in Gloucester." Glo-Quips. January 25, 2007, p. 1.
"The Art Bank Sponsors Poetry Workshops." The South Hill Enterprise. May 17, 1989, 4B.
Burke, Deborah. "Poet, Sculptor, Humanitarian: Burke's Carolyn Kreiter-Kurylo Shares Her Many Gifts with the Homeless." The Connection. July 6, 1989, p. 21.
Burke, Deborah. "Renaissance Teacher." The Connection. September 6, 1989, p. 27.
Hammack, Georgia. "Miscellaneous: Writing Poetry," The South Hill Enterprise, June 14, 1989.
Lynskey, Ed. "Review of Contrary Visions." The Southern Humanities Review. Vol. 23. No. 3. Summer 1989, pp. 285–287.
McNatt, Linda. "Poet Sees Poetry as Door to Creativity." The Sun. May 11, 1989, p. 10.
"Poet to Visit Here on Grant." The Times. Smithfield, VA. April 26, 1989, 10.
"Poetry Lessons." The Times. May 10, 1989, B-1.
Moore, Lenard. "Contrary Visions Shows Poet as Visual Artist." The Pilot. Southern Pines, North Carolina. Vol. 69. No. 72, July 10, 1989.
Kennedy, Kathleen. "For Some, Dimview Lights the Darkness." The Washington Post. August 18, 1988, Virginia Weekly section.
Fanshel, Fran. "Words on Words." The Columbia Flyer. November 10, 1988, p. 103.
Cascio, Chuck. "How to Make Words Work." The Connection. May 22, 1986, p. 15.
"Techniques in the Creation of Poetry and Art." Teacher Feature of Carolyn Kurylo. SchoolScene with host John Duncan. Cable TV. Channel 21. September 20–26. 1986, 4:30, 8:00, and 10:00 p.m.
Smith, Karin. "A Few Words on Teachers and Publishing." NVWP Newsletter. February 1985, pp. 6–7.
Carlos, Andrea. "For Jack of Arts Kurylo, Creativity is Focus." The Times. August 29, 1985, p. 7.
Tavares, Traci and Lisa Melchiori. "Carolyn Kreiter-Kurylo: Profile of the Artist." The Heritage. 1983–84, p. 6.
Donovan, Rose Marie. "GMU Awards 1st Doctorate in 10 Years." The Fairfax Journal. May 23, 1983, A1, A4.
"Carolyn Kurylo: Artist as Teacher." ETA-NV Newsletter. September 1983, pp. 4–5.
Farley, Charlotte. "George Mason's First Doctorate Combines Creativity with Education." GMU Today. Summer 1983, p. 2.
"First GMU PhD Learned for the Sake of Learning." The Alexandria Gazette. Summer 1983.
Brelis, Matthew. "Acclaimed Poets, Writers to Teach GMU Workshops." The Washington Star. April 2, 1981, B-2.
Churchman, Deborah. "Nursing Home Poets Rediscover ‘Self-Worth." The Washington Post. August 6, 1981, VA-11.[68]
Hayden, Mindy. "Hooked on Poetry" Letters to the Editor. The Washington Post, August 14, 1981.
