2025 National Poetry Month Ekphrastic Poetry Contest

February 5, 2025 – March 7, 2025

Online

2025 National Poetry Month Ekphrastic Poetry Contest

February 5, 2025 – March 7, 2025

Online

Poetry month is just around the corner! We partnered with local poets and other art institutions to invite you to draw inspiration from artworks. Submit a poem written in response to Joan Mitchell’s Hudson River Day Line from our collection. If you win, your poem will be shared in April to celebrate National Poetry Month.

What Is an Ekphrastic Poem?

An ekphrastic poem is one based on a piece of art. These poems take an existing piece of visual art and use written words to describe and expand on the theme of that work of art. Often these poems explore hidden meanings or an underlying story.

What to Submit

Up to two (2) poems that respond to the art (each a maximum of 15 lines plus title). Express how the art puzzles, moves, frightens, enlightens you, etc. Please do not put your name or identifying info on the poem. Do not include artwork image on poem or in email.

How to Submit

    • Attach one poem per email in a PDF or Microsoft Word doc or docx to EkphrasticPoetryContest1@gmail.com. Subject line should read: Ekphrastic Poetry Contest Submission (YOUTH or ADULT) – (Selected Artwork Title).

    • Your email must include:
        • Title of your poem

        • Your name

        • City & state

        • Phone number

        • Email address

    • Youth entries must include age.

Contest Deadline

March 7, 2025. Only San Antonio & South Texas adult & youth poets are eligible. Categories: Adults; Youth, ages 13 – 17; Youth, age 12 and under.

Judges

Jim LaVilla Havelin, 2025 National Poetry Month coordinator, Eddie Vega, San Antonio Poet Laureate, and Linda Simone, poet & artist, will select up to three poems per artwork for each category.

Winning Poems

Winners will be notified via email by March 19. By March 21, Winners must attach their winning poem(s) as a PDF in an email to EkphrasticPoetryContest1@gmail.com. Email subject line must read: (ADULT or YOUTH) Winning Poem PDF – (Your Name). Winning poems will be posted on websites throughout April, National Poetry Month.

Save the Date

Ekphrastic Celebration Reading by winning poets at Ruby City on Saturday, April 5 at 10 a.m.

Events

Due to a private event, the McNay will close at 5:00 PM on Friday, May 1.

Due to severe weather conditions, the McNay will be closed on Sunday, January 25 and Monday, January 26.

 

We will be open on Saturday, January 24 until 4:00 PM.

Due to maintenance, the museum will close at 5pm on July 15.

 

Normal hours resume on July 16.

Support the McNay’s Community Through Art annual fund.