The Poetry Fence of
Del Ray

Seventeen years of poems, visitors and a very peaceful garden

2009

FENCE FOUNDED

17+

YEARS CURATING

Hi, I’m Renée Adams,
the poetry lady
of Del Ray

I'm well-known in my Del Ray, Alexandria community and far beyond for creating and curating the poetry fence that forms the border of my property along a public sidewalk. When I first started it, neighbors called it the poetry fence. A local journalist called me The Poetry Lady of Del Ray. The names grew as organically as the fence.

Started in 2009, the poetry fence is a tranquil place with a rotating display of poems, thought provoking news stories, and vibrant images with uplifting text that provides inspiration, solace, and education for people of all ages and walks of life. People visit from my community and from other cities and countries.

My upcoming book, The Poetry Fence: A Catalyst for Community, shares stories about these neighbors and visitors who have quietly stopped at the fence and frequently have talked with me – with conversations light and fun, deeply meaningful, or both.

every April, National Poetry Month, I Poem-Bomb My Neighborhood and Provide Gumball Poetry at Local Cafés or A Bookstore.

Renée Adams on keeping the fence, and the neighborhood, in rotation

Reviews and News

  • PechaKucha Alexandria · 2019

    My PechaKucha Alexandria presentation (2019) on the poetry fence and related activities can be found online (no need to sign in).

  • Studio Pause, Arlington VA · 2025

    Studio Pause, a neighborhood gallery in Arlington, Virginia, featured the fence and connected activities in a 3-month show in 2025.

  • Video

    Studio Pause created a video showcasing photos of the poetry fence, activities, and garden, along with my poetry readings.

  • Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map

    The Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map includes my poetry fence among over 1,700 other installations around the globe that were created to bring inspiration and joy to communities.

Articles

about my poetry fence and other activities have appeared in print and online. Here are some of them still available online:

ALEXANDRIA TIMES · APRIL 2019

The Poetry Lady of Del Ray: Renée Adams celebrates 10 years of her poetry fence

By Missy Schrott, April 4, 2019

WASHINGTON POST · APRIL 2014

In Alexandria, her 'poetry fence' creates a tranquil spot for neighbors and passersby

Apr 9, updated Apr 15, 2014 (online); "Her fence is well-versed in poetry," April 16, 2014 (print).

By Eva K L Miller

PATCH · SEPTEMBER 2022

BANNED BOOKS IN LITTLE LIBRARY IS DEL RAY RESIDENT'S LATEST EFFORT

Renée Adams, who created the neighborhood's popular poetry wall, also has a Little Library that featured banned books this past week.

By Emily Leayman, Patch Staff

THE ZEBRA · APRIL 2024

For National Poetry Month, Alexandria Writer Shares Literary Form With Residents and Visitors in Creative Ways

By Judith Fogel, April 15, 2024

THE ZEBRA · APRIL 2019

Renée Adams celebrates 10 years of her poetry fence

By Amanda Socci, April 1, 2019

JOHNNYJET · SEPTEMBER 2017

JohnnyJet: Simplifying Travel — 10 Things to Do in Alexandria, Virginia

By Caitlin Martin Marker, September 5, 2017

THE ZEBRA · APRIL 2019

Two Quarters Gets You An Original Piece of Gumball Poetry at St. Elmo's

April is National Poetry Month, and the poems are all creations of Del Ray poets.

By James Cullum, April 6, 2019

Got a story or a question for me?

Whether you've stopped by the poetry fence, want to know about upcoming book events, or just want to say hello I'd love to hear from you.