Poetry has been a part of Catherine Martin’s life since she was a teenager. After graduating from Smith College, she earned a master’s in writing, literature and publishing from Emerson College. She completed a residency at the Vermont Studio Center, was involved for years in the Boston Poetry Slam and has published work in Pleiades and the Nimrod International Journal of Prose and Poetry. The Pushcart Prize-nominated poet moved to Hopkinton in 2021 and now is a writing instructor at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. Martin’s favorite part about teaching is bringing writers together. “I think there’s so much to learn from the artist sitting right next to you in a room,” she said.

The Arts Residency, sponsored by realtor Alan Connell, is a regular Hopkinton Independent feature. Every other week, Hopkinton Independent staff selects an individual to highlight following consultation with leaders in the local arts community.