he re-birth and re-opening of America is sparking hope, excitement, and
longing for growth in all of us nowadays. Heights Arts’ Emergent 2021 exhibition captures these emotions, through its showcase of budding, local artists. Each artists work beams with pride and hunger for what is next in their careers. Heights Arts long-running Ekphrastacy – Artists Talk and Poets Respond series will bring these feelings to life.

This unique experience, which combine artist talks with live poetry readings inspired by the works in the current exhibition, are among the most popular events Heights Arts offers, and a perfect embodiment of the organization’s mission to bring together varying art forms for the benefit of the community. Just as the poets take the artists’ work and bring it to life through words, Heights Arts is excited to take the once – virtual Ekphrastacy experience to a
live performance.

The poets will perform in front of a live audience on July 22nd, at 7 p.m in the Heights Arts gallery. Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate Ray McNiece, along with poets Mary Weems, Story Rhinehart, and Katrice Monee will select the various paintings, sculptures, architecture, and mixed media pieces to interpret in their own words. Emergent 2021’s goal is to give light and exposure to up and coming artists either just finishing arts school, or preparing to show or sell their art in a larger setting.

“We are looking forward to finally having a live performance for the first time in over a year. We have written poems reflecting the energy and engagement of these emergent artist,” says McNiece. “The synergy Heights Arts between poet/performer, art work and audience is what makes for a deeply ekphrastic experience. Join us!”

You can learn more at heightsarts.org/exhibitions. The showing on July 22nd will be open to 40 people, and masks are optional for vaccinated people, required for those unvaccinated. Stay tuned for more information on signing up for the opening. Poets interested in applying for an upcoming Ekphrastacy event, can find more information at heightsarts.org/open-calls.