Connected by stories

I often meet folks at The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro to chat for these profiles, but it was an especially poignant and powerful location for my conversation with Richard Lemm. Richard started his artistic journey as part of the Great George Gallery back in 1983. Now a coffee shop that supports the local arts community, Richard shared stories of the space as it was 42 years ago. He took me back in time, walking through the decades of artistic and creative development of Charlottetown. “This space was the home of more than 200 readings, and countless book launches, music debuts, and visual art exhibitions.”

Sitting with Richard and listening to his stories that span the decades was like being immersed in a library of one’s favourite books, with behind-the-scenes commentary from the authors. From sharing spaces with Milton Acorn to being hired as a coordinator by Hilda Woolnough, Richard has built a living legacy alongside many of the Island’s most famous and prolific creators.

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Richard made his way east for his graduate studies, eventually landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia as a doctoral student at Dalhousie University. “I was finished the residency component of my PhD so I could go anywhere for the final two years to write my dissertation.” He was encouraged by his advisor to take the time to travel abroad but luck and love brought him to Prince Edward Island, and he has lived here ever since.

With a strong sense of community, Richard’s contributions to and connections with Island life are immeasurable. Whether it was being part of the Take Back the Night marches in Charlottetown, learning from the women’s movement, or being active in the Island peace efforts, Richard has been immersed in the arts and activism communities since the 80s. “Art and activism are closely related, and I was swept into both.”

Richard has been an English professor at the University of Prince Edward Island since 1988, teaching creative writing and Canadian and post-colonial literatures. From introductory courses to masterclasses in creative writing, Richard’s teaching, guidance, and mentorship have touched a myriad of people over the course of his abundant career. In November 2025, he delivered his last lecture, “A Wondrous Thing Happened on the Way to Dystopia,” celebrating his career and commemorating his retirement.

With several books published across multiple genres—poetry, fiction, memoir, and biography—Richard is continuing to write into this retirement. “I am excited to have more time to do my own writing and continue to pay close attention.” Richard’s attentiveness to the people and places around him was clear throughout our conversation and is evidenced in his many works.

One of his current works-in-progress is a collection of personal essays with the working title, Citizen of Shorelines. “I’ve always lived near the ocean and have been greatly influenced by that reality.” He is also working on revising a novel and a new collection of poetry. 

Along with his solo creations, Richard is working with his wife, Lee Ellen Pottie, to curate and edit an anthology of holiday writing to be published by Acorn Press. “We are eagerly accepting submissions from people with a strong connection to Epekwitk, though the stories themselves can be set anywhere.”

Richard is a passionate storyteller who generously shares his own stories and encourages others to share theirs. “I often ask myself, what stories will make the world a better place?” Stories hold us all together and create the world in which we live. “We’re all telling stories—whether in books, music, visual art, or even as a bank teller.”

With a career that included president of the League of Canadian Poets, faculty at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and a founding member of the Island Literary Awards, Richard notes that one of the biggest highlights has been witnessing others blossom and mature into themselves. “Whether it’s a past student or a colleague or a friend, I am endlessly inspired by the ways in which people face and overcome hardship.” Linking back to some of his own mentors, Richard says that he feels privileged “to support people in navigating riptides and helping them flow with the current.”

Listening to Richard talk about his journey of witnessing so many people thrive in their respective fields was inspiring. “It’s not just people who are creative writers; it’s people in all professions and across many disciplines.” Regardless of our profession, position, or place, “our stories are important and our individual voices matter. The greatest gift is hearing that I have helped someone in finding their voice and telling their story.”