The poetry of late NDSU instructor David Martinson will be celebrated at a publication party for his book “Collected Poems of David Martinson” on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rourke Art Gallery located at 521 Main Ave. in Moorhead.
The event is free and open to the public. Several of Martinson’s poems will be read throughout the evening, and copies of his book, published by Red Dragonfly Press in 2024, will be available for purchase.
Martinson’s wife, Carol Pearson, NDSU professor emerita of Spanish, said Martinson began writing poetry around the age of 17. While in college Martinson met fellow poets who believed in public access to poetry, which sparked his passion for public access.
Martinson published using the small press imprint “Aluminum Canoe,” including collections of other people's poems. He produced many broadsides, chapbooks and eclectic word-image creations throughout his life. Pearson said Martinson would sometimes distribute the work to people in the Fargo-Moorhead community by leaving the latest edition in their mailboxes.
Many of Martinson’s poems reflect on life on the prairie. The 160-page book features artwork from renowned engraver Gaylord Schanilec.
“I’m really happy with how the book came out,” Pearson said.
Martinson taught creative writing at NDSU for close to 25 years. He was a writer in residence and a poet in the schools for the states of Minnesota and North Dakota., Martinson also was the owner of Great Northern Books, selling rare and used books.
