Summer of Ekphrastic

I began the Ekphrastic Poetry Trust of Connecticut earlier this year as a birthday gift to myself and as a tribute to my belief in citizenship and giving back to the communities I live in. Certainly my own passion for art and poetry is underscored in this motivation. I wanted to create a forum where poets could learn and practice writing ekphrastic style with other interested professionals and novices alike. Membership is entirely free, the group is covered entirely at my own expense and dedication. As a teacher, information is gift to those who seek for their own betterment, improvement, maybe even just curiosity. To me, this would be like charging an entry fee to enter a library. I want to believe we live in a higher vibrational society so therefore, I must raise my level to raise that of those around me. I am fortunate to be in a circumstance where this is possible on many levels and considerations. GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE. Good people do many important things, but some are above all others- one is to set your meter to good, the other is to give gratitude for that good.

Let me move on to a few good things now and in the works-

I’m very excited to be cohost and co creator of this event. The Shoreline Arts Alliance mission is very much in sync with my own; educating, encouraging and enriching artists in our local communities as well as advocating for the arts. The 49th Annual Photography Exhibition, Connecticut’s oldest juried photography exhibition and competition is up and live and fantastic. The Kehler Liddell Gallery has a great space in New Haven and this year, Poetry in the Gallery is going to add a new layer of craft to the excitement of exhibition, that of ekphrastic poetry. I outreached to about 50 local Connecticut poets in my ekphrastic honorary memberships to enter and by the end of the week I will at last see these contributions. The poems will be exhibited along with their chosen work and it’s hoped that viewers will enjoy this added insight. I plan to outreach to a few of my favorites for a reading at the opening on the SATURDAY AUGUST 25… STARTS AT 2 pm sharp!

A few other things in the works- especially for ekphrastic poets! please email me at edwardlent@icloud.com to be on my contact list if you aren’t already! so stay tuned!

I am beyond excited to have been notified that Nazareth University, where I went to college for my BS in Art Education has selected me as a 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award- this is such an incredible honor from an educational institution that I have so many wonderful memories from-

“I am pleased to inform you that the Awards Committee of the Alumni Advisory Board has selected you as a recipient of a 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award to be presented on Friday, September 20th (during Naz Weekend) at a special award reception!”

For over 30 years, Nazareth has acknowledged the outstanding achievements of its graduates and to date more than 100 alumni have been honored. Their influence has not only been felt within the Nazareth community, but within the communities in which they live and work. These recipients serve as role models for Nazareth students; influence others to consider a Nazareth University education; and further inspire in their fellow graduates a sense of pride in their alma mater. 

Nominees for Outstanding Alumni hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from Nazareth University, proudly identify themselves with Nazareth through action/or words and embody the mission statement of Nazareth University. 

Ed, congratulations for being selected for this prestigious award and well-deserved recognition!

SO! summer 2024 is so far, rather amazing,,,