Poetry Professor Bruce Cohen Held Reading at UConn

The University of Connecticut hosted a reading for poetry professor Bruce Cohen’s latest book, Botrytis, at the Black Box Theater.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Books

Poetry Professor Bruce Cohen Held Reading at UConn

Poetry professor Bruce Cohen presented works from his sixth book, Botrytis, during a reading at the University of Connecticut's Black Box Theater. The event drew over 60 attendees to hear selections from the collection released in September 2026.

Why it matters

The reading highlighted the latest creative work from a faculty member in the university's Creative Writing Program. It also provided a preview of his upcoming poetry collection, Don't Touch the Art.

The reading drew over 60 attendees to hear works from Botrytis, which released in September 2026. Cohen also shared poems from his seventh book, Don't Touch the Art, which is slated for a 2027 release.

The players

Bruce Cohen

He is a poetry professor at the University of Connecticut and the author of six poetry books.

V. Penelope Pelizzon

She is an academic who introduced the reading for the Creative Writing Program.

The details

V. Penelope Pelizzon introduced the professor before he read poems from his new book, which takes its name from a genus of fungi. The event also featured verses referencing historical oddities, such as the period when mailing human bodies was permitted until 1915.

Timeline

  1. Mailing human bodies was permitted until 1915.

  2. Botrytis was released in September 2026.

  3. The reading occurred on October 8, 2026, at 6 p.m.

  4. Cohen's next book is scheduled for release in 2027.

Industry Dynamics

University-sponsored poetry readings remain a vital part of the literary ecosystem for academic authors. These events allow professors to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and the professional publishing world.

Local readers and students can access Cohen's current work, Botrytis, at bookstores and library collections. Future engagement opportunities will be available when his next collection releases in 2027.

The takeaway

Faculty readings provide unique opportunities to hear authors interpret their own verse in a live setting. Attending such events helps readers gain deeper insight into the inspiration behind specific collections and upcoming projects.

What happens next

Cohen's seventh poetry book, Don't Touch the Art, is scheduled for release in 2027.

Further reading

Discover more literary events and author updates in our Books section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Campus.