Art in the Public Eye - The Poets Respond

Highland Park, Illinois has a collection of almost 30 pieces of outdoor public art throughout the streets, trails and parks of the City. Using a map published by the Cultural Arts Commission, Highland Park Poetry urged writers of all ages to go on a treasure hunt of discovery and find poetic inspiration among the sculptures. The idea behind the contest was that ekphrastic poems might expand community awareness and appreciation of the public art, perhaps leading to new understanding by both readers and viewers. Winning poems from the contest were published on temporary signs installed near the sculptures as well as on The Muses' Gallery of Highland Park Poetry's website. This collection means the poems and art work will continue to inspire.