Ekphrastic Poetry Competition at Rosewood Arts Center

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Call for Entries: Ekphrastic Poetry Competition at Rosewood Arts Center The Kettering Arts Council invites writers of all ages to participate in the inaugural Ekphrastic Poetry Competition, presented in conjunction with the 2026 FotoFocus Biennial exhibitions at Rosewood Arts Center. From September 27 through October 20, 2026, participants are invited to visit the Kettering Health Art Gallery, experience the exhibitions by Amanda Bradley, Notations from Home, and Trent Davis Bailey, The North Fork, and create an original poem inspired by one of the artworks on display. What is Ekphrastic Poetry? Ekphrastic poetry is simply writing inspired by art. There is no right or wrong way to participate. Your poem might describe what you see, imagine a story about the artwork, express a feeling or memory it brings to mind, or explore an idea or question inspired by the piece. Whether you're an experienced poet, a student, or someone who has never written poetry before, this competition is an opportunity to slow down, look closely, and respond creatively in your own voice. Need a Little Inspiration? What do you notice first? If this artwork could speak, what would it say? What memory does it remind you of? What happened just before--or just after--this moment? How does this artwork make you feel? If you could step inside this artwork, what would you experience? Who Can Participate? The competition is open to all experience levels and includes three age categories: Youth: Ages 5-11 Teens: Ages 12-17 Adults: Ages 18+ How to Participate Visit the Kettering Health Art Gallery at Rosewood Arts Center between September 27 and October 20. Explore the featured exhibitions by Amanda Bradley and Trent Davis Bailey. Choose one artwork that inspires you. Write an original poem in response to that artwork. Submit your poem online or at Rosewood Arts Center by Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5 p.m. Submission Guidelines Poems must be the participant's original work. Each poem must be inspired by one of the designated artworks in the exhibition. Participants may submit one poem per featured artist (maximum of two submissions). Poems may be submitted in written format. Written submissions should not exceed two pages. Please include the title of the artwork that inspired your poem. Important Dates Exhibition: September 27 - November 7, 2026 Submission Period: September 27 - October 20, 2026 (Deadline: 5 p.m.) Winners Announced: October 27, 2026 Poems on Display: October 30 - November 7, 2026 Awards Awards will be presented in each age category. First Place: $50 Gift Card to Rosewood Arts Center Second Place: $25 Gift Card to Rosewood Arts Center Honorable Mentions: $10 Gift Card to Rosewood Arts Center Winning poems will be displayed alongside the artwork in the Kettering Health Art Gallery and featured on the City of Kettering's website and social media channels. To help create a welcoming experience for all visitors, submissions that do not meet the published guidelines or are deemed inappropriate for a public exhibition will not be displayed. For additional information or to submit your poem, visit PlayKettering.org/gallery or stop by the Rosewood Arts Center front desk.

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