Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has named poet and music critic Mike Jurkovic as the county’s 2025 Poet Laureate.
Jurkovic, a resident of the Shawangunk hamlet of Wallkill, succeeds Kate Hymes of New Paltz, who was the first to hold the honorary title created by Metzger in 2023.
“Words possess the remarkable ability to bridge hearts and minds, uniting our community through the art of verse,” Metzger said in a statement. “Through his evocative poetry, Mike Jurkovic captures the essence of everyday life and invites us to explore the hidden beauty in our daily experiences. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Mike — we look forward to the inspiration and creativity you will bring to this role.”
Originally from the South Bronx, Jurkovic has lived in Ulster County for more than 30 years. He is the president and co-founder of Calling All Poets, a Hudson Valley-based poetry organization and series now in its 26th year.
Jurkovic’s poetry, known for its expressive and surreal style, has been published in literary journals across the U.S., including in New York City, San Francisco, Baltimore and London. His works, which often explore themes of everyday life, absurdity and human connection, include “The Whereabouts of Heaven,” “My Love Don’t Dream, She Vignettes” and “Mediums Mystics and Madmen.”
A prolific poet and music critic, Jurkovic has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and has published multiple poetry collections, including smitten by harpies & shiny banjo catfish (2016), Eve’s Venom (2014) and Purgatory Road (2010). His work has appeared in more than 400 magazines and anthologies. He is a regular contributor to Elmore Magazine, Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange and Chronogram and previously wrote “The Rock n Roll Curmudgeon” column for Rhythm and News Magazine from 1996 to 2003.
In addition to his writing, Jurkovic co-chairs the Music Fan Film Series at the Rosendale Theatre and hosts NuJazzXcursions on WVKR-91.3FM, Vassar College.
“With the grand family of writers and poets in the Hudson Valley, I am humbled to serve as Ulster County Poet Laureate,” Jurkovic said. “In this role, it is my aim to highlight as many voices as possible.”
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, executive director of Arts Mid-Hudson, praised Jurkovic’s appointment and Metzger’s support of the arts.
“We are grateful for County Executive Metzger’s commitment to the arts community in Ulster County, and we can all celebrate the appointment of Michael Jurkovic as our Poet Laureate for 2025,” she said. “Promoting poetry across Ulster County enriches residents of all ages and backgrounds.”
The Ulster County Poet Laureate serves a one-year, unpaid term, delivering a poem at the county’s annual State of the County address, leading workshops and readings, and engaging in educational and community outreach. Arts Mid-Hudson oversees the nomination and selection process.
More information about the Poet Laureate program is available at www.artsmidhudson.org/uc-poetlaureate.