This anthology of poetry, prose, and artwork derives from two exhibitions and ekphrastic readings in 2021. The Art Speaks exhibition at the Edgewood Gallery in Syracuse, NY (July 2-August 13, 2021) featured artists and writers from the Central New York Branch of the National League of American Pen Women. The exhibition presented twenty works of art and twenty ekphrastic poems; that is, poetry created in response to what the art evokes in the poet’s imagination or recall. Ekphrastic response need not employ descriptive language nor attempt to imagine what might have been in the artist’s mind. Works of art and responsive poems were hung beside one another. The show encouraged a type of creative conversation among artists and poets that offered viewers various avenues to interact with each work. Art Speaks, The Catalogue, in its design and layout, encourages readers to take advantage of the opportunity to interact with the art in multiple ways and continue the conversations.

In recent years, the Pen Women in the CNY Branch have presented three readings of ekphrastic poetry inspired by works of art in the Made in New York show, a signature annual event at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, NY. Included in this anthology are a number of poetry and art pairings from the 2021 Made in New York exhibition.

The National League of American Pen Women was formed in October 1897 when women journalists were refused admittance to the National Press Club. Founding members included women writers, journalists, and lecturers, many prominent in their respective fields. The CNY Branch was formally admitted to the National League on October 1, 1926 and convened in the Hotel Onondaga in Syracuse, New York.

Today, the League includes 60 branches and more than 1,200 members. Membership expanded over the years to embrace women artists, composers, choreographers, and women in the allied arts. The central mission of NLAPW remains the same: to encourage and recognize the work of professional standards in letters, visual and other creative arts, and provide opportunities for members to inspire and encourage one another, as well as their communities.