Celebrate National Poetry Month with the launch event for Mending the Nets, the latest collection by Keep St. Pete Lit founder Maureen McDole! She will read from the collection and be in conversation with Helen French!

Mending the Nets explores transformation and healing of complex multi-generational family dynamics through a poetic lens. Born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Florida, McDole reclaims her sovereignty through nostalgic reflections which transmute generational trauma. Through a love of nature and deep desire for unconventional freedom, she reclaims her voice, both as a creative woman and a citizen of the world.

Maureen McDole was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. She is a direct descendant of carnies, carpenters, and fishermen. This do-it-yourself ethos in her DNA infuses every area of her life. As far back as she can remember she loved to write.

She is the author of four books of poems, Exploring My Options (2006), Longing for the Deep End (2011), Feast (2021), and Mending the Nets (2026). She has an English BA with Literary Studies Concentration from University of South Florida and a Certificate in Arts & Culture Strategy from University of Pennsylvania.

Her poetry has been set in a variety of different ways including: film, dance, spoken word, art installations, Sprechstimme, and traditional vocal works.

Maureen has been leading workshops and speaking about creativity and leadership for over 20 years. She founded the literary arts organization Keep St. Pete Lit in 2013 because she believes wholeheartedly in the power of literature to change the world.

She is the artist-in-residence at GISJane, working in the fields of water restoration, climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, and community resiliency.

She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Helen French is the Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, with over 20 years of experience in arts administration, education, and community-focused program development. She holds a BFA from The Juilliard School and an MFA from Hollins University, blending elite training with a deep commitment to local arts advocacy.

Helen previously served as Development Associate at the Palladium Theater, leading grant strategy and fundraising efforts. She is also the co-founder and co-producer of BEACON, a performance series that supports regional dance artists and expands access to the performing arts.

A respected educator, Helen has taught at Juilliard, George Mason University, the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, and Creative Clay to promote inclusion through the arts. Named 2021 Artist Laureate by Creative Pinellas, Helen is a visionary leader dedicated to building an equitable, vibrant, and sustainable arts ecosystem in St. Petersburg and beyond.