Poetry responding to art will be shared at Ekphrasis 2025 Sunday, Nov. 16, in Jefferson. A year ago artists responded to poems; this year the tables are turned.
The work of 10 Greene County artists will be displayed, with 10 poets taking the stage to share original poems prompted by the art. Most of the contributing artists will also be at the event.
Local artists include Jolene Peters, Dana Harrison, Leah Thompson, Cora Powers, David Williamson, Curt Nelson, Kevin Shea, Clancy Clawson, Margaret Hamilton and Jennifer Powers.
The responding poets are Hollie Roberts, Abby Jacobson, Alexa Anthony, Ginny Showman, Nancy Hanaman, Tori Riley, Bailey Mount, Wendy Taylor, Susan Laehn and Chris Henning.
Kelsey Bigelow (pictured, right), spoken-word poet of Des Moines, will return to Jefferson to share her poetry. She co-presented at workshop with poet Caleb Rainey a year ago.
“I share my story through poetry in a way that’s like having a conversation with a friend to help others feel less alone in their own stories,” Bigelow explains.
She holds a bachelor of arts degree in professional and creative writing from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville and a master of arts in strategic communications from the University of Iowa. She’s a board member and chair for the Iowa Poetry Association and coordinator of the annual Poetry Palooza. Click here for a sample of her work.
The event begins at 2 pm at The Courtyard Event Center, 214 E. State St, in Jefferson. 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.
