Ricardo Ruiz: Poetry Reading and Reception
Presented in partnership with Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) as part of Handwork 2026 and National Poetry Month.
At this evening of poetry and storytelling with poet Ricardo Ruiz, he will explore the lived experiences of his Mexican farmworker community in Eastern Washington. Ruiz’s debut collection, We Had Our Reasons: Poems by Ricardo Ruiz and Other Hardworking Mexicans from Eastern Washington, won the 2023 Washington State Book Award for Poetry and presents vivid, bilingual poems created in collaboration with 13 members of his community. Through his work, Ruiz brings to light stories of migration, labor, and resilience, honoring voices that have too often gone unheard.
The evening begins with a reception in the BIMA Bistro, during which attendees can purchase and have books signed by Ricardo. Eagle Harbor Books will be on site with copies of We Had Our Reasons. At 7:00 PM, the program moves to the BIMA Auditorium for the reading. Ricardo and selected students from his “Portals of the Poetic Self: The Five Senses” workshop at BARN will share their work followed by a Q & A session with the audience.
About the Handwork Week 2026 BARN Workshop: Portals of the Poetic Self: The Five Senses
As part of BARN’s Handwork Week, Ruiz will lead “Portals of the Poetic Self: The Five Senses” (April 27–May 1, 2026, 1–5 PM daily), an immersive workshop exploring sensory-rich poetry grounded in lived experience. Participants will engage in close readings, peer workshops, and personalized feedback sessions, learning to approach stories with honesty and care while developing a polished portfolio of poems. This workshop offers guidance for writers at all levels, emphasizing storytelling in accessible language while honoring the raw truth of personal experience.
About the Artist
Ricardo Ruiz is a multi-dimensional writer of poetry and prose. The son of potato factory workers, Ricardo hails from Othello, Washington. His work draws from his experience as a first-generation Mexican-American and from his military service. Ricardo holds an Associate Degree in Business and Accounting from Big Bend Community College, where he was recognized as Student of the Year in both Business and Economics, and English Composition. He also holds a Bachelor of Art in Creative Writing from the University of Washington. While in the military, Ricardo earned the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving on four deployments, two to Afghanistan. His debut collection of poetry reached #1 on Amazon’s Hispanic-American Poetry Chart. He is passionate about elevating marginalized voices from rural communities and takes pride in being a conduit for cultural connection.
Follow Ruiz on Instagram: @poetruiz
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3436403-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3436403-2
