Poetry and visual art come together in downtown Sequim on Wednesday, August 12, when Blue Whole Gallery hosts its annual Ekphrastic Poetry Writers Read from 2–3 p.m.
Presented in collaboration with Olympic Peninsula Authors (OPA), this special Writers Read event features local authors sharing original poems inspired by artwork currently on display at Blue Whole Gallery.
What Is Ekphrastic Poetry?
Ekphrastic poetry is poetry inspired by or written in response to visual art. With roots dating back to ancient Greece, this form of poetry allows writers to explore the stories, emotions and ideas they discover within a painting, sculpture, photograph or other work of art.
During the August Writers Read, members of Olympic Peninsula Authors will share their interpretations of artwork created by Blue Whole Gallery artists, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience the connection between visual art and creative writing on the Olympic Peninsula.
“Art invites us to look, while poetry invites us to linger. Bringing the two together can reveal stories and emotions we might otherwise have missed,” said a spokesperson for the Blue Whole Gallery.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early or stay after the readings to explore the gallery and discover the artwork that inspired the poems.
The Ekphrastic Poetry Writers Read takes place Wednesday, August 12, from 2–3 p.m. at Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., Sequim, Washington. The event is free and open to the public.
Blue Whole Gallery is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and Sundays 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.