Ekphrastic Writing with Marian Mitchell Donahue & Mira Johnson

Explore the possibilities of creative writing and develop new connections between visual art and the written word! Led by writers Marian Mitchell Donahue and Mira Johnson, two resident alumnae of The Church, this literary workshop will focus on Ekphrasis, an ancient Greek term meaning “the use of detailed description of a work of visual art as a literary device.”

Through group reading and discussion, participants will be guided through the historical context of ekphrastic literature, while examining various methods and techniques commonly found in the form. In addition to a curated selection of examples, Mitchell Donahue and Johnson will also share excerpts from their own work, explaining how specific techniques can be used to achieve desired effects. Following this introduction, participants will venture into the exhibition space of Here and There: The First Churchennial for inspiration, selecting one or more works to write in response to. The session will conclude with a group reading of written texts, sharing feedback, thoughts, and reflections.

Poets, writers, and anyone fascinated by the interweaving of art and literature are welcome to attend; no prior writing experience needed.

A notebook and pen or pencil are the only required materials for this workshop – these will not be provided.