Art Talks Back

Michigan writers are invited to write an original ekphrastic poem based on a work of art in the Muskegon Museum of Art’s permanent collection. Writers may choose between five pre-selected works of art.

2026 Lineup

top left: Alice Aycock, Twister Again | top right: Kehinde Wiley, Charles I and Henrietta Maria

bottom left: Andrea Kowch, The Courtiers | bottom middle: Gertrude Abercrombie, Woman and Owl in the Shattered Tree | bottom right: Karen LaMonte, Reclining Nocturne 3

Art Talks Back | Competition Guidelines

It is free to enter and open to all Michigan residents ages 18+. High school students in Muskegon County are also eligible to submit work. The contest guidelines, selected artwork, and the required entry form are found in the links below. Only digital submissions via Google Forms will be accepted.

Submit Your Poetry 

• Write an original, previously unpublished poem inspired by one of the Art Talks Back selections from the MMA permanent collection.
• One entry allowed per person. Poems must be one single page PDF of your poem.

Eligibility

• Any resident of the state of Michigan 18 and older may participate.
• Muskegon County High School students may enter, if under 18, be sure to have a parent or guardian complete the submission form with the student.

Formatting Your Entry

All entries must include the following:

• Title of poem
• Title and artist of the artwork that inspired your entry
• 12 point, Times New Roman font
• One page in length, spacing is up to the author
• DO NOT include your name on any page of your submission; your name should only appear on the virtual entry form.

Submitting Entry

• Entries are due virtually [via Google Forms] no later than 11:59 PM – Thursday, March 12, 2026

Please Note

• All entries must follow the instructed format listed above for acceptance; failure to comply may disqualify your entry. By submitting work, writers give permission to the Muskegon Museum of Art to publish entries from this competition.

Dates + Events

• Competition Begins | Thursday, January 29 at 12 AM
• Writing Salon | February 19, 4:30-6:30 PM
• Competition Ends | Thursday, March 12, 11:59 PM
• Notify the Winners | Thursday, April 2, 5 PM
• Reading, Awards Ceremony, Reception | Wednesday, April 15, 6-7 PM

Prizes

• 1st | $200 + One Year MMA Membership, Sponsored by the Poetry Society of Michigan
• 2nd | $100 + One Year MMA Membership
• 3rd | $75 + One Year MMA Membership
• Honorable Mentions | $25 Museum Store Gift Card + One Year MMA Membership

High School Prizes:

• 1st | $100, Sponsored by the Poetry Society of Michigan
• 2nd | $75
• 3rd | $50
• Honorable Mentions | $25 Museum Store Gift Card

Questions? Contact [email protected].