Meet Joliet's First Poet Laureate

Uxmar Torres is a poet hailing from the Southside of Chicago. Raised by Mexican immigrants, he was fluent in both English and Spanish before taking his first steps. Immersed in the vibrant hip hop culture of his upbringing, Uxmar developed a profound appreciation for verse from a young age. Surrounded by artists, musicians, and writers within his family and community, he began crafting his own original poetry around the age of ten, a passion that has persisted ever since.

During his undergraduate years, Uxmar pursued his love for poetry and language, culminating in a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing with a specialization in Poetry. Today, he takes pride in his roles as a devoted father, husband, and dedicated artist. His written and spoken works have graced stages across numerous cities in the United States, and admirers of his craft have commissioned poems from around the globe.

For several years now, Uxmar has called Joliet home, where he has established himself as an integral part of the local arts community. His contributions include hosting Joliet’s inaugural National Poetry Open Mic earlier this year at Bicentennial Park.