Descanso Gardens will host “Celebration: A Tribute to Poet Amy Uyematsu” on Saturday, March 23, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Guided by California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick as emcee, the celebration promises an intimate gathering of poetic souls honoring the legacy of Amy Uyematsu.
Admission is free with no advance registration required.
Uyematsu was a poet, high school math teacher and activist.
Her verse, rooted in the depths of her Japanese American heritage, explored the convergence of politics, mathematics, spirituality, and the natural world.
A champion of the Asian American movement in the 1970s, Uyematsu’s words echoed with themes of racial pride and social justice. Her legacy lives on through her poignant poetry, a testament to her enduring spirit.
The poetry program curators for the event are Uyematsu’s husband, Raul Contreras, and poet Peter Levitt. Contreras, a distinguished figure in the literary community, brings his passion for poetry and keen eye for talent to the role of organizer and co-curator for this tribute event.
With a background steeped in the arts and a deep appreciation for the power of language, Contreras has curated a lineup that promises to honor the legacy of Uyematsu in a truly memorable way.
Renowned poet Peter Levitt lends his expertise and insight to the role of co-curator for this special tribute. Levitt’s own poetic journey, marked by a profound connection to nature and a dedication to capturing the essence of human experience, ensures that the event will be a fitting homage to Uyematsu’s multifaceted legacy.
Herrick is known for his powerful verses that navigate themes of identity, family, and the immigrant experience with poignant insight. His poetry resonates deeply, weaving together personal narratives and universal truths, enriching the literary landscape of California and beyond.
Other participating poets include Naomi Hirahara, Traci Kato-Kiriyama, Pam Ward and Gloria Alvarez. Tyler Tachiki and Mason Tachiki will serve as youth readers.
“We are thrilled to be hosting this tribute to our beloved friend, Amy Uyematsu,” said Descanso Gardens CEO Juls Rooke. “We enjoyed a long and meaningful relationship with her throughout the years and miss her greatly. This event will celebrate her life in a very special way, in a setting she would have loved.”
Descanso Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $11 for seniors and students with a school I.D.; $5 for children 5 to 12, and free for children under 5.
For more information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit descansogardens.org.
First published in the March 7 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
