[[[[[[[[[[[[[[al]14[/al]al]13[/al]al]12[/al]al]11[/al]al]10[/al]al]9[/al]al]8[/al]al]7[/al]al]6[/al]al]5[/al]al]4[/al]al]3[/al]al]2[/al]al]1[/al]George Sibley, a longtime educator, writer, and cultural contributor from Gunnison, has been honored with the 12th annual Karen Chamberlain Award for Lifetime Achievement in Colorado Poetry.
The award was presented on May 22 at the Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte, recognizing Sibley’s enduring impact on the state’s literary and artistic landscape.
“George’s contributions to the Gunnison community and the wider Western Slope have extended far beyond poetry,” said Art Goodtimes, director of the Talking Gourds poetry program. “His work has advanced the political, social, and environmental well-being of our mountain home. We were honored to celebrate him and his invaluable legacy at this year’s festival.”
Sibley’s multifaceted career spans decades. In addition to his poetry, he is known as a professor, community organizer, editor, author, actor, freelance journalist, water policy advocate, and event host. He has played a significant role in shaping cultural life in Gunnison and throughout Colorado’s Western Slope.
A photograph of Sibley with Goodtimes, taken at Sibley’s 75th birthday celebration, captured a moment of camaraderie between two longtime champions of the arts. The recognition underscores Sibley’s broad influence across disciplines and generations.
The Karen Chamberlain Award is named in honor of the late Colorado poet and is awarded annually to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and contribution to poetry in the state.
