Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda[1] (born 1946) was named Poet Laureate of Virginia[2] by the Governor, Tim Kaine, on June 26, 2006.

She gives poetry readings in public and private settings and offers workshops in museums, libraries, and universities.

[4] Carolyn is an abstract colorist painter, and her paintings have been featured in solo exhibitions throughout northern, central, and eastern Virginia.

As a young child, Carolyn avidly read poetry and wrote her first poem prior to entering elementary school.

Encouraged by her parents, who were both educators, to hone her creative skills, she devoted hours to writing poetry and fiction.

She also served as a Youth Page correspondent for the Richmond News Leader, the city's afternoon daily newspaper.

During her term as Poet Laureate, the Virginia State Board of Education honored her efforts with a Resolution of Appreciation for her recognition as Poet Laureate and for “her sustained leadership and devotion to promoting the writing and reading of poetry among Virginia's young people and to raising the study of the Arts to the highest level.” Artistic - Carolyn also works as an abstract artist.

Inspired by the late work of Henri Matisse, Carolyn creates textured cut-outs to achieve a representational effect.

Carolyn has written poetry, a teaching guide, news articles, book chapters, a booklet; and her work was included in the 2009 Rappahannock Art League Calendar which features 11 poems from River Country.

XIII; The Ledge; The Sound of Poets Cooking; Virginia Living; WPFW 89.3 FM Poetry Anthology; among others Carolyn's first poem written in Spanish and English appears in her book, Gathering Light.

Other poems have since been translated into Spanish by Rei Berroa,[29] professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at George Mason University, and appear in the anthology, Cauteloso engaño del sentito, edited by Dr. Berroa, as part of Colección Libros de la Luna, Vol.

Tipton Poetry Review[31] (Fall 2010, Issue #19) contains a kasen renga[32] written by Carolyn and Joyce, in collaboration with Kae Morii, who translated the poem into Japanese.