KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Joy Harjo, the 23rd United States Poet Laureate and celebrated member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the André Harvey Creative Fellowship. The residency, hosted at Longwood Gardens from October 12-25, 2025, honors the legacy of renowned Brandywine Valley artist André Harvey by fostering creativity, passion, and a profound connection to the natural world.
Paul B. Redman, President and CEO of Longwood Gardens, expressed enthusiasm about Harjo’s selection. “We are thrilled to welcome Joy Harjo to Longwood as the first recipient of the André Harvey Creative Fellowship. Her extraordinary collection of work embodies the spirit of creativity, inspiration, and connection to nature that Longwood Gardens and this Fellowship seek to inspire.”
Harjo, whose contributions span poetry, storytelling, and music, will spend two weeks immersed in the scenic Brandywine landscapes, exploring the intersection of art and nature. During her residency, Harjo is set to give a public reading on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 13, sharing excerpts from her latest works.
Known for critically acclaimed volumes like Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light: Fifty Poems for Fifty Years (2022) and numerous children’s books, Harjo has been recognized with some of the highest honors in literature and the arts. These include the 2024 Frost Medal, Yale University’s Bollingen Prize for American Poetry in 2023, and a Class of 2022 National Humanities Medal. Her achievements in music are equally lauded, with seven award-winning albums showcasing her talent as a performer.
The Fellowship pays tribute to André Harvey (1941–2018), whose art emphasized the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Supported by Bobbie Harvey, André’s spouse, the fellowship was established to continue his mission of connecting people to nature through artistic exploration. Bobbie Harvey shared her delight in Harjo’s selection, noting, “The André Harvey Creative Fellowship honors André’s respect and dedication to the natural world by empowering exceptional artists like Joy Harjo. I could not be more delighted to see the Fellowship begin with the selection of such a stellar talent.”
Harjo herself expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I am honored to accept this inaugural André Harvey Fellowship to write and create among the beautiful biodiversity and artworks of Longwood Gardens and to continue the vital work of environmental conservation and education through the arts,” she said.
Longwood Gardens, a global leader in horticulture and education, continues to showcase innovation through initiatives like the André Harvey Creative Fellowship. With Harjo’s residency on the horizon, this program signals a unique fusion of artistic excellence and environmental appreciation while inspiring visitors and the global community alike.
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