Exploring Art Through Poetry — Writing Ekphrastic Poems

Ekphrastic poetry is poetry written in response to another art form. We will examine different approaches to writing about a work of art and study some examples of ekphrastic poems and the techniques used. Participants will then explore the current photographic show at Waterfall Arts, choose a work that appeals to them, and take notes in preparation for writing a poem. We will then return to the workshop and each participant will complete a poem with the support of the instructor. At the end of the workshop, those who choose to can share their poem.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Judy Kaber is an experienced teacher and writer as well as the current poet laureate in Belfast. She holds a MEd in teaching Language Arts from the University of Maine. She has published in numerous journals including Poet Lore, The Guardian, Atlanta Review, Off the Coast, and The Cafe Review. Contest credits include the Maine Postmark Poetry Contest in 2009, the Larry Kramer Memorial Chapbook Contest in 2011, and second place in the 2016 Muriel Craft Bailey Contest judged by Marge Piercy. Her work is an effort to make sense of the world and ranges from the local to the international, with a focus on both the human and the natural condition. She is particularly interested in the sound and taste of language and the power that it has to move people. She belongs to an online poetry workshop called The Waters as well as a local, in-the-flesh group called The Wheelbarrow School of Poetry.