Ekphrasis – the intense verbal description of an art object that brings the object to life in the reader’s mind.
The Ekphrasis Poetry Contest challenges writers to create an evocative poetic description of an art object. The object may be original or a reproduction and may include painting, sculpture, carving, photography, or folk art. The contest is open to all Oakland University students, faculty, alumni, and staff members. Oakland University creative writing faculty are ineligible.
Requirements
- You may submit up to three Ekphrasis poems. Please identify the artwork that is the basis for each poem.
- All poems should be typed.
- The total length of all three poems should not exceed 100 lines.
Submission
Each entry must be accompanied by a cover letter with the following information:
- Title of your poem or poems;
- Your name, address, phone number, and email address. Your name must not appear on the pages of poetry.
Submit in a sealed envelope to
Ekphrasis Poetry Contest
English Department
534 O’Dowd Hall
Oakland University
Rochester, MI 48309-4401
All entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 1. Winners will be notified by April 15, 2011. Entries will not be returned.
The grand prize award is $100. Three additional prizes of $75 each will also be awarded.
Presentations will be made at the Annual Poetry Bash at Oakland University, April 15. Winners will be invited to read their award winning poems.
More information here.
