We’re very happy to announce that poet, naturalist, and longtime friend of Milkweed Editions John Caddy can add another accolade to his ongoing work in literature and the for environment. He was chosen as the McKnight Foundation 2012 Distinguished Artist.

For the nitty-gritty details, we turn to McKnight’s press release:

The McKnight Foundation has named Minnesota poet John Caddy as the 2012 McKnight Distinguished Artist, in recognition of artistic excellence spanning nearly five decades. Now in its 15th year, the annual honor includes a $50,000 cash award and recognizes individual Minnesota artists who have made significant contributions to the quality of the state’s cultural life.

His contributions are numerous, and include (but certainly are not limited to) forming the Minnesota Poets in the Schools program, publishing four books of poetry, and, for the past thirteen years, writing a daily earth poem—a few lines of verse that peacefully reflect on the natural world—on his website, Morning Earth. To learn more about this intrepid wordsmith, you can read the many profiles written for Minnesota media outlets today. (Specifically, Minnesota Public Radio, Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and Twin Cities Daily Planet.)

With Mouths Open Wide: New and Selected Poems (2008)
Showcasing the fortitude and wisdom, the honey and fire, the jab and embrace of a master poet, this is a landmark collection of more than three decades of writing. Caddy engages readers with his acerbic wit, his base profundity, his downright honesty, and a no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners attitude. Order it here.

Morning Earth: Field Notes in Poetry (2003)
Organized by the seasons of the year, these poems find wildness near at hand and, through its recording, deepen consciousness of the physical processes of he earth and our own lives. What’s more, Caddy provides suggestions for individuals, teachers, and students who want to start their own daily poetry journals. Order it here.