Special guest, spoken word poet Caleb Rainey
Art inspired by poetry will be featured at Ekphrasis 2024 Sunday, Nov. 18, in Jefferson.
Thirteen Greene County poets have written original poems to which 13 local artists have responded. At the event, which starts at 2 pm at the Courtyard Event Center, 214 E. State St, poets will share their poetry and the artists will display and discuss the work they created as a reaction to that poem.
Special guest will be Caleb Rainey, “The Negro Artist,” of Iowa City. Rainey is an author, performer and producer. His special niche is spoken word poetry, performance poetry that goes beyond a written page through oral delivery. Spoken word poets use their voices and gestures to enhance the meaning of their words, and often write about contemporary subjects.
Rainey has published two books – “Look, Black Boy” and “Heart Notes.” He has performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and in several poetry slams across the US. Click here for a preview of his work.
A documentary about Rainey, “The Negro Artist,” premiered at the Okoboji Writers Retreat in September. Rainey and producer Nik Heftman will return to Jefferson Nov. 24 for a poetry workshop and a showing of the documentary. More details will be provided at Ekphrasis.
Local poets featured at Ekphrasis will be Margaret Hamilton, Abby Jacobson, Chris Henning, Nancy Hanaman, Ginny Showman, Kristin Lang, Robbie Pedersen, Teena Toliver, Chad Elliott, Susan Laehn, Clay Ross, Hollie Roberts and Tori Riley. Artists are Gina Harrington, Jennifer Powers, Matt Wetrich, Jean Van Gilder, Bonnie Silbaugh, Clancy Clawson, Dana Harrison, Tyler Gathercoal, Curt Nelson, Leah Thompson, Roger Aegerter, Heather Vander Wilt Foote, and Renee Jacobs.
Ekphrasis is a project of the Jefferson Matters Tower View Team. There is no admission charge. The subject matter may not be appropriate for children.
