Opening Reception: In Ekphrasis by Jennifer Wessmiller

Date and Time

• Thursday, Nov 6, 2025  7pm - 8:30pm

Location

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Details

Sitar Arts Center’s Cafritz Gallery is proud to present “In Ekphrasis: To See a Poem / To Hear a Painting,” a powerful new exhibition by local artist and poet Jennifer Wessmiller.

Jennifer Wessmiller, an emerging artist based in Springfield, VA, creates work that explores grief, resilience, and acceptance, alongside whimsical pieces inspired by her love of animals. Her award-winning art has been exhibited throughout Northern Virginia, and her poetry has earned regional recognition. In this exhibition, Jennifer brings the two art forms together—inviting viewers to experience a conversation between image and text.

Derived from the Greek words ek (“out”) and phrasis (“speak”), ekphrasis traditionally describes the interplay between art and words. Here, that tradition is reimagined as an evolving dialogue: sometimes the poem came first, other times the painting, and often both developed together. The result is a body of work that encourages reflection and interpretation, where color evokes language and words create atmosphere.

Join us in celebrating Jennifer’s creative journey and this unique exploration of how poetry and visual art can coexist and converse.