2025 - 2026 Guest Writer

Since the launching of the residency in 2021, Buckham annually receives a number of technically accomplished and conceptually intriguing submissions from writers in Genesee County. The jurors are humbled by the breadth of works and trust in allowing them to view and consider many personal works. Often one applicant bubbles to the top of the pool, however sometimes the jurors must make a difficult decision between writers. Buckham first introduced the Guest Writer as part of the residency in 2023 - 2024 to work with two writers during its 40th anniversary season.

To complement the 2025 - 2026 residency, Buckham along with the WIR jurors chose a Guest Writer, Kirei, to engage with and respond to three exhibitions during the season. Kirei’s compositions will be hosted on Buckham Gallery’s website with images that spark her creative process.  Kirei also joins the Buckham Arts Collective with a complimentary Artist Collaborator membership to promote the enrichment the collective can only develop with many and varied experiences, as well as to offer support and community to the participating residents.

“This year was a particularly difficult year for the WIR jurors to select a single resident. We were blown away by the scope of impactful writing. During the interview process Kireri impressed us when she took the initiative to respond to one of the works currently installed without prompting. We wanted a way to work with her this year and reintroduced the Guest Writer project,” shared Leclaire.
 
ABOUT THE GUEST WRITER : Kirei

Kirei is an Emmy Award–winning poet, author, and curator from Flint, Michigan. A slam champion and workshop facilitator, she uses spoken word to cultivate spaces for mindfulness, resilience, and community connection. Her 2025 poetry collection Volume Zero captures her signature blend of vulnerability and power, reflecting a commitment to healing, education, and equity through the arts.

“Being invited into a Guest Writer role at Buckham this season is something I’m truly grateful for. This gallery was one of my first glimpses into the creative storytelling that takes place when writing and visual art meet. During my time in the galley, I hope to find new sparks of inspiration from the exhibits, and witness how Flint’s art and community reflect one another while I grow as a writer,” shared Kirei.

Photograph courtesy of Jo Ikigai and Ikigai Productions
The 2025 - 2026 Guest Writer program is sponsored in part by the generous support of anonymous donors.