Organizers of the Summer Festival of the Arts 2015 and Lit Youngstown announce a public literary art project as a component of the Summer Festival of the Arts, July 11 and 12 at and around YSU.
Literary submissions of 50 words (maximum) of ekphrastic writing—writing that is inspired by any work of art—is solicited. Writers may view images of accepted Summer Festival of the Arts artists at www.ysu.edu/sfa for inspiration, or submit writing on any artwork. Previously published work is eligible for submission. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, June 21.
To submit, email your submission as an attachment to LitYoungstown@gmail.com. In the body of the email, include a cover letter with your name, city and state, publication credit (if applicable) and a sentence or two about the way art is important in your life.
Entries will be screened by Lit Youngstown staff and then juried by a guest judge. The winning submission will be printed on a reusable, sustainable tote bag which will be distributed to the public at the Summer Festival of the Arts.
All submissions will be displayed at the Lit Youngstown booth during the Summer Festival of the Arts where patrons will be able to view the ekphrastic writing, and where they will be invited to write the endings of positive affirmation statements such as, “I wish I had the courage to….” A real-time Powerpoint presentation of the statements will be projected on the back wall of the tent. Several readings and performances will take place throughout the two-day event. In addition, Lit Youngstown volunteers will lead ekphrastic freewriting tours to artists’ booths where participants will freewrite, using local art as inspiration. There will also be a raffle to win an original sculpture bird bath created by metal sculptor Tony Armeni. Tickets cost $3.00 or two for $5.00. Lit Youngstown will use the proceeds for programming.