2018 / 2019 Poet Laureate
Phil Taggart
After serving a first term as the VC Poet Laureate during for the 2016 and 2017, Phil Taggart served a second term in 2018 and 2019.
He has published three collections of poems: Rick Sings (Brandenberg Press), Opium Wars (Millie Grazie Press) and Cowboy Collages, an art book in collaboration with Texas artist Ann Harithas. He is editor and punlisher of Askew with Marsha de la O and Friday Gretchen.
For his work in promoting an understanding of mental disorders, The Turning Point Foundation honored him with a Champion of Mental Health Award. He has received an Arts Stars award from the Ventura County Arts Council as well as the Mayor’s Art Award. Mr. Taggart grew up in South Whittier and lives in Ventura with his wife Marsha de la O, who is also a published author of poems.
Past Ventura County Poet Laureate Phil Taggart