FARMINGTON – A small book of poetry was the basis for Jeffrey Thomson being chosen as a Maine Arts Commission Literary Arts Fellow for 2008.

Chosen from more than 70 Maine writers who work in all types of writing, Thomson, an assistant professor of creative writing at the University of Maine at Farmington, was selected based on his book, “Celestial Emporium of Benevolent Knowledge,” released in 2007. He is the author of poems, creative nonfiction and several books.

The award is one of three individual artist fellowships given annually by the commission in recognition of the literary, visual and performing arts.

A panel composed of out-of-state members chooses a Maine artist as a fellow based on artistic excellence. The commission’s fellows program is designed to reward that excellence, help advance careers of Maine artists, and promote public awareness of creative people in Maine.

The fellowship also includes a $13,000 award to further his creative work.

“Receiving this award,” Thomson said, “is exceptionally gratifying. There are many wonderful writers in Maine. It’s nice to be judged by one’s peers and found worthy of praise.”

The work for which he was honored is based on an idea found in the writings of a Chilean writer, he said. It plays around with a “perfect language” for naming plants and animals, the language used to name the natural world, he said.

Thomson said he began writing poetry as an undergraduate. He initially started to become a medical doctor but veered away after college courses exposed him to an array of poets.

Thomson discovered he has a skill for writing, but he likes poetry and the way it works with images and languages.

Thomson, who has been in Farmington for the past nine years, enjoys teaching writing as well. The university draws a broad range of students who are devoted to writing. The fellows award reflects on the accomplished work done at UMF, he said.

Thomson has a doctorate in creative writing and a master’s in English and creative writing from the University of Missouri, and a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.

Thomson said he is looking forward to meeting the other award recipients and will read from his work at an upcoming showcase of the fellowship award recipients to be held at 5:30 p.m Oct. 4 at the Penobscot Theatre in Bangor.

The event is free and open to the public.