On July 22, the Writers on the Spit hosts its Fourth Friday Readings at The Lodge’s media room, 660 Evergreen Farm Way, off of Fifth Avenue, Sequim.

Acclaimed poet William Mawhinney presents selections from his work as the evening’s featured writer.

The event is free.

Mawhinney, a graduate of University of Pittsburgh, lived in Arizona for much of his life. His career as a poet began there, where he also hosted poetry workshops and readings throughout the Southwest. He and his wife, Wanda, eventually moved north to find enough moisture to support his passion as a gardener.

Mawhinney was named the 2011 Angel of the Arts by the Port Townsend Arts Commission. He hosts the Northwind Reading Series in Port Townsend and his poems continue to appear in a variety of magazines. His two published collections are “Songs In My Begging Bowl” and “Cairns Along the Road, Poems 2002-2009.”

He now lives in Port Ludlow where he reportedly speaks with herons as he walks the beach.

An hour of five-minute open mic readings will follow the featured speaker. Interested writers should come early to submit their names. For guidelines, email to lindabmyers@yahoo.com.

The readings begin at 6:30 p.m. but participants are urged to arrive by 6 p.m. to purchase a beverage and goodie at the Espresso Bistro. There is elevator access to the second floor media room.