Danna Ephland leads a workshop in ekphrastic poetry s part of the 2017 Westminster Art Festival

Saturday, April 29, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Beginning

Saturday, May 6, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Experienced

Ekphrastic poetry, poems inspired by art, is as old as both art forms and is popular today in art galleries and literary venues and journals. We will look at a few examples of ekphrastic poetry to get us started. This poetry workshop will be in the spirit of e.e. cummings, playful and imaginative, and will focus on the Art Festival theme: “illimitably earth” – a phrase from his poem “i thank You God for most this amazing.” We will look at this poem and a couple others and have a good look at the art works displayed for the festival. Writers will choose one particular work of art in the show for inspiration.

With guided in-class writing, we will capture some of our first impressions to get us started on our own poems. How can we write what we see, and feel, about this artwork that speaks to us? Drafts will be shared with the group for feedback and input. (The shy are encouraged, but are welcome to opt out.) After a break, we will return to our poems with some hints for revising in order to bring them closer to our intention and vision. If time allows, we’ll make a final visit to the gallery to read our new poems aloud within earshot of the work of art that inspired us.

Bring tablet, laptop, paper and pen/pencil – whatever you prefer. Refreshments & handouts provided. Danna Ephland is a poet who teaches indie poetry workshops called The Left Margin. She earned a BFA in Dance from York University, Toronto, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Notre Dame. Bodysongs is her hybrid work in movement and poetry for communities and schools. She is active in the vibrant poetry scene here in Kalamazoo. Her poems have appeared in journals including Rhino, Indiana Review, Folio and the anthologies, Saints of Hysteria (Soft Skull Press) and Villanelles (Knopf). A Small Acrylic Frame won the Celery City Chapbook Competition 2015, followed by Needle Makes Tracks from Dancing Girl Press, Chicago, 2016.

Workshop Fee $35

Register by calling 269-344-3966

by email westminsterp@wpcportage.org

Scholarships available upon request.

For more information on this event, or the 2017 Kalamazoo Poetry Festival click here.

For more information on the Westminster Art Festival click here.