Yesterday, Sunday, April 26, I had the honor of reading a poem at the 4th Annual Vision & Voice Poetry Project at the Joyful Jewel in Pittsboro, a local art gallery specializing in original arts and crafts. Once every year, they open their doors to local poets who, in the style of poetry known as Ekphrasis, write a poem inspired by a piece of art. I chose as my inspiration the beautiful photograph of a snowy egret by Gerald Dukes (kindly held by local artist. D.G. Chandler). If you like, you may read my poem here.
Pictured above is the poet Candace Falloon reading a poem inspired by proprietor Mariah Wheeler’s (also pictured) lovely work of mixed media titled The Muse Calls.
A number of other local poets read, including Mary Barnard, Judith Fisher, Tim Keim, Judith Stanton, Patty Cole and Judy Hogan, who emceed the event. In addition to Mariah, we took our inspiration from a bevy of talented artists including D.G. Chandler, Jerry Fowler, Orlan Johnson, Jacquelyn Lowry, Kate Ladd, Marilyn Penrod, Stacy Lewis, Sharon Blessum, Gerald Dukes, just to name a few. Our subjects of inspiration ranged from the expected (paintings, photography and sculpture) to the more esoteric (dream catchers, jewelry, scarves, even a peppermill!) Poets Ruth Moose, Bonnie Korta, and Sheridan Bushnell couldn’t attend but other poets happily read their work so their voices could also be heard.
If you missed the event, no worries! There’s still time to order a limited edition copy of the poems and images of the art that inspired them for just $35. To do so, contact Mariah at mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com. Need a special gift for Mother’s Day? Stop by the Joyful Jewel today — there’s something for every woman in your life, I promise!
In fact, I just bought a pair of earrings for a friend for a birthday present who told me that she absolutely loves them and will treasure them every day!
Ashley Harris 
Oh Ashley, I do hope everyone will read your poem. it presents a wonderful story, full of detail to imagine the egret Maitre ‘D, with humor and intrigue!
Reblogged this on The Practice of Creativity and commented:
It’s the last day of National Poetry Month and I couldn’t let the day slip away without giving a shout out to my writing group buddy, Ashley Memory. This past Sunday, she attended one of the local events I look forward to all year-Vision and Voice Poetry Project hosted by the local gallery Joyful Jewel. During the month of March, writers are encouraged to visit this amazing gallery and choose a piece of art to write about (they sell everything from jewelry to paintings). Then the V&V event pairs up the writer to read his or her work and the artist to talk about the piece. I have participated in the past and have found great inspiration in all sorts of art objects. Ashley participated and you’ll see a link to her poem. I’ve learned so much from her keen sensibility and poetic ear.