Sundress Academy for the Arts Presents February Reading Series

The Sundress Academy for the Arts is pleased to announce the guests for the February installment of our reading series, poets Gardner Dorton and Sebastian Elios. Join us online from 7-8PM for this free reading. Log on at tiny.utk.edu/sundress.

Gardner Dorton is a poet living in Knoxville, TN. His debut collection of poetry, If I Were God I Would Also Start With Light, was published by Thirty West Publishing House in 2024. His poems have appeared individually in places like The Greensboro Review, The Florida Review, Wussy Magazine, and The “30 Below” Anthology with Narrative. When he’s not reading his poems, he’s probably drinking tea with his husband watching a Twilight movie or picking up ripped-open trash from his oversized dogs.

A poet accustomed to living on the margins of different identities, Sebastian Elios (he/him) is constantly reflecting on what it means to partake in the world and human ecosystems. His poems are attempts to summarize experiences which reach far beyond words. Raised by Black women, both literally & literarily, his writing is rooted in their many lessons & examples. A past fellow of VONA, Abode Press, & Southern Esesu, he’s been published by Tabadul Collective, Callaloo, Pigeon Pages, and Querencia Press among others. When he’s not writing, he’s probably listening to Tierra Whack or Waxahatchee and walking around barefoot. You can follow him on Instagram or find his work at sebastianellios.com.

Each month we split donations with our community partner. Our community partner for February is Bridge Refugee Services. Bridge Refugee Services is the only refugee and protected class resettlement agency in East Tennessee (operating in Knoxville and Chattanooga). This nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide opportunities for clients to rebuild their lives after suffering persecution. The organization is committed to providing protection and assistance for clients’ journeys “from despair to dignity”. It recognizes their plight, resilience, and willingness to join the East Tennessee community and make it their own. Bridge Refugee Services works to help clients promote their rights within their communities and help them find peace in their new homes while supporting each client’s hope for a new life and a brighter future.

This event is brought to you in part by grants provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission.