FEB 4, 2026 - MAR 4, 2026

Ruby City is once again teaming up with National Poetry Month San Antonio, to participate in this year’s Ekphrastic Poetry Contest.

This year, we have continued our partnerships with local poets and other art institutions to invite you to draw inspiration from artworks selected.

This year, we have selected a work by artist Daniel Rios Rodriguez titled, Norma (2019), from his solo exhibition, Open This Wall, which is on view through October 4, 2026 and can be see in Studio, located inside Chris Park. 

We invite you to submit a poem written in response to Norma (2019)for the chance to have your poem shared on this webpage—and on the Ekphrastic Poetry Contest page in April, National Poetry month. Winners will also be invited to read at a Celebratory Event to be held at McNay Art Museum, Chiego Hall, on April 23, 2026 at 6:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public however attendees must pre-register to attend.

Interested in participating? Keep reading to learn more about the contest and how to submit your own original ekphrastic poem!

What is an Ekphrastic Poem?

An ekphrastic poem is one based on a piece of art. Poems should describe and expand on the theme of the art by expressing how the art puzzles, moves, frightens, enlightens, etc.

Submission process is new & easier this year!

1. Go to the Official Guidelines and Entry Form Page and follow the prompts. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your submission.

2. Contest is limited to San Antonio & South Texas poets. Poets may submit up to two (2) poems (each a maximum of 15 lines plus title), written in response to an artwork. Only poems written in response to official selected museum artworks will be considered.

3. If you are submitting two poems, a separate form must be completed for each poem.

4. Only poems following line requirements will be accepted and no changes can be made to poems once they are submitted.

5. Do not type your name on any poem or it will not be considered.

6. We will only accept submissions received between February 4, 2026 and March 4, 2026.

7. Only winners will be contacted by email by March 17, 2026.  Winning poems related to Norma (2019), by Daniel Rios Rodriguez,  will be posted on the Ruby City website.

8. Winning poems will be posted at museum and other online sites throughout April, National Poetry Month.

SAVE THE DATE – APRIL 23, 2026!

Ekphrastic Celebration Reading by winning poets at McNay Art Museum, Chiego Hall, 6:00 p.m. The event is free to attend but requires pre-registration. 

Judges: Jim LaVilla Havelin, 2026 National Poetry Month coordinator, Eddie Vega, San Antonio Poet Laureate, and Linda Simone, poet, artist, educator, will select up to three poems per artwork for each category.