Emerge Gallery is pleased to highlight the power of words and their connection to visual arts through the exhibition Art & Words: Ekphrasis. For as far back as the times of Plato, writers have been inspired by art to create poetry true to the form of the original work, yet adding their unique poetic perspective. Art & Words: Ekphrasis is taking the model one step further by not just engaging existing artwork to inspire poetry, but by also using existing poetry to inspire artwork.

Art & Words: Ekphrasis consists of an exhibition of art and poetry— side-by-side — that includes artists and poets inspiring one another. Existing poetry was collected by invited poets and artwork was curated from artists throughout the Hudson Valley and New York Metropolitan area. Artists and poets were given the opportunity to choose selected poems or pieces of art that spoke to them and to create a new piece of art—be it a visual art piece or poem—based on the original inspiration. The challenge will be in determining which came first, the poem or the artwork.

Participating artists are Scott Ackerman, Tara Bach, Loel Barr, Diane Christi, Maxine Davidowitz, Shelley Davis, Mikumaz (Matteo Farkas), Steve Gentile, Carl Grauer, Josepha Gutelius, Martha Hill, Robert P. Langdon, Ellen McKay, Ann Morris, Grey Ivor Morris, Prudence See and Marck Webster. Participating poets are Beth Achenbach, Douglas Daniel Elliot, Alessandra Farkas, Monica T. Fiorentini, Steve Gentile, Joan Gunnison, Josepha Gutelius, Patrick Hammer, Jr., Robert P. Langdon, Judith Lechner, Alanna Wray McDonald, Barbara Mindel, Angelina Peone, Mairead Flynn Rogan, Daryen Ru, Prudence See, Allen Shadow, Raymond Steiner and Margaret Uhalde.

A select preview of Art & Words: Ekphrasis, which will include a brief poetry reading, will be held at the Saugerties Public Library on April 22, 2017, at 2PM. An opening reception will be held at Emerge Gallery on Saturday, May 6, 2017, from 5-8 PM. All are welcome. 
In addition, a poetry reading will take place at Emerge Gallery on Saturday, May 20, 2017, from 6-8 PM. Artwork and poetry will be on display through May 29, 2017 and will be available to view and purchase through the Emerge Gallery shop at www.emergegalleryny.com.

ABOUT EMERGE GALLERY: Emerge Gallery & Art Space focuses on emerging artists from the Hudson Valley, NY, region and beyond by hosting monthly group art exhibitions, and other events. It is a very open and welcoming environment that is a wonderful setting for private parties and gatherings and is available for rental. The space is also available to rent for solo and privately curated exhibitions. Artwork from current and previous exhibitions, along with on-line exclusives, are available through the on-line shop at www.emergegalleryny.com