Martha Gregory is 2021’s “Walk on Words” Poetry Contest Winner

PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale’s Public Art Committee has selected a poem by Lancaster resident Martha Gregory as the winning entry in the City’s “Walk on Words” poetry contest. The unveiling ceremony was held on Saturday, June 26 at Yellen Park.

As part of the City’s Public Art program, entrants were asked to submit original compositions with the theme of “Palmdale Cares” that were no more than 8 lines long, including title, with a maximum of 25 characters per line, including spaces.

The winning poem:

People helping people

Pantries giving food

Parks to visit often

Public art to view

Projects for improvement

Problems being solved

Passions getting rooted

Palmdale gets involved

Honorable mention winners were Randy Bass, Louis Denning, Teresa Epling, Rick Farrell, Mark Ray, Maria Recio, Daniel Valencia, and Dena Williams.

Previous “Walk on Words” winners are: 2013 – “What Beauty Holds Us Captive Here,” by Mary Denning; Poncitlán Square

• 2014 – “One Day” by Steven Brito; Palmdale Playhouse

• 2015 – “Summer Fun” by Ed Robinson; DryTown Water Park

• 2015 – “Everyone Has a Story to Tell” by Joan Enguita Willingham; Legacy Commons for Active Seniors

• 2016 – “Guardians Brave Let Palmdale Play” by Louis Denning; Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42

• 2016 – “Generations of Pioneers” by Mary Denning; Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42

• 2016 - Theme: Parks Make Life Better – by Mitchell Seyfer; Marie Kerr Park

• 2017 – Theme: Summer – by Tyler Farrell, Domenic Massari Park

• 2018 – Theme : Palmdale History - by Dana Schroer, Palmdale City Library

• 2019 – Theme: Neighborhoods – by Mike Adams, Courson Park

• 2020 – Theme: Census 2020: Everyone Counts – by Randy Bass, Yellen Park. The #PalmdaleCares program demonstrates the spirit of our community: neighbors helping neighbors, business helping business, and coming together to support one another,” said Public Art Coordinator George Davis. “This year’s poetry contest aimed to capture that spirit and leave the message in the community for people to enjoy for many years to come.”

About the City’s Public Art Committee

As the City of Palmdale continues to strategize effective methods to increase community engagement, pride and identity, public art emerged as a practical and creative outlet to both engage and inspire the community.

The City convened an internal committee with representation from various departments whose public and department objectives best aligned with the mission of public art. The committee reviewed various master plans from a diverse field of communities nationwide and ultimately defined six key focus areas:

• Identity

• Diversity/Inspiration

• Accessibility

• Economic Impact

• Design Integration

• Education For information on the Public Art Committee, please call 661/267-5611.