FisherPoets Gathering at Hotel Elliott
February 27th - March 1st, 2026
We are thrilled to be part of the FisherPoets Gathering, an annual celebration of poetry, storytelling, and music honoring the commercial fishing industry and coastal life. This unique event brings together poets, writers, and performers from across the country to share their experiences and creative works.
Workshops at Hotel Elliott
We are excited to host a selection of FisherPoets Gathering workshops in our downstairs meeting room. This space offers a fantastic central location for attendees to immerse themselves in the event’s creative and communal spirit.
Friday, February 27th, 2026
Songwriting: Focus on the Music with Jon Lee
1:00 - 2:15pm
We will focus on the magic of integrating music and lyrics, with an emphasis on on how to create simple chord progressions that provide a musical framework for lyrics.
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Shifting Seascapes: Stress and Resilience in Changing Oceans with Angee Doerr
10:00 - 11:15 am
Our oceans are changing in a multitude of ways; fish stocks are shifting, ocean acidification and hypoxia are prevalent, sea surface temperatures are warming, and storm systems are becoming more powerful and more challenging to predict. These changes can result in frustration, anxiety, stress, and grief – as well as a drive for problem solving, collaboration, and dedication to maintaining this industry and identity. Adapted from work supporting farmers and ranchers, this session explores the relationships, identities, and sense of self associated with commercial fishing. Participants will leave with new tools for naming and navigating climate-related emotions, along with ideas for cultivating resilience.
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Writing Work Poetry with Patrick Dixon
12:30 - 1:45pm
We'll list jobs we've held - whether we were paid or not - from childhood to present day, then consider which one calls to us to say more. During a guided relaxation exercise, participants will walk through a series of observations based upon the five senses as well as emotions conjured from those memories, then write those down as draft material for composing a poem or poems. We’ll also discuss the difference between the truth of an experience and the truth of the poem. Please bring paper and pen or a laptop to write with. Given time, those who would like to share their work will be invited to do so. Led by FisherPoet Patrick Dixon, author of Waiting to Deliver - an Alaskan commercial fishing memoir (FisherPoets Press, 2022) and Mending Holes fishing poetry collection (MoonPath Press, 2025).
FishHer Columbia Pacific Community Alliance General Meeting
2:00 - 3:15pm
Join FishHer, Columbia Pacific CommUNITY Alliance. Serving our region's local ports; their mission is to empower women to strengthen local commercial fisheries, families, and waters through outreach, service, emergency response, and blue economy initiatives. Meeting will showcase accomplishments in their first two years as a 501c3 nonprofit entity and what's ahead.
Get Your FisherPoets Gathering Event Button
A $20 event button grants you access to all FisherPoets Gathering venues and workshops throughout the weekend. Attendees 18 and under get in free!
Don't miss this incredible celebration of maritime culture—grab your button and join us for a weekend of storytelling, poetry, and community!
Hotel Elliott is honored to support this meaningful event and provide a space for storytelling, learning, and connection. Whether you’re a participant or an attendee, we invite you to experience the warmth of our historic hotel and the rich traditions of FisherPoets.
