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 Paul Cezanne’s Houses on the Hill 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 (each a maximum of 15 lines including title) written in response to the art. Poems should express how the art puzzles, moves, frightens, enlightens you, etc. Please do not put your name or any identifying info on the poem. Do not include artwork image on poem or email. 

Contest Deadline: March 8. Only San Antonio & South Texas adult & youth poets are eligible. Three categories: Adults; Youth, ages 13 – 17; Youth, age 12 and under.

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 to Submission (YOUTH or ADULT) – (Title of the Artwork). In your email include: your name, city & state, phone and email. Youth entries must include age. Send each poem in a separate email.  

Where to Find Contest Submission Guidelines:
You can read the contest guidelines including submission information at any of these links:

Gemini Ink: https://geminiink.org/

San Antonio Public Library: https://www.mysapl.org/

Arts Alive San Antonio: https://artsalivesa.com/

Bihl Haus Arts: https://bihlhausarts.org/

Judges: Jim LaVilla Havelin, 2024 National Poetry Month coordinator, Eddie Vega, award-winning poet, and Linda Simone, poet, artist, educator, will select up to three poems per artwork for each category. 

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