Opening Reception: In Ekphrasis: To See a Poem/To Hear a Painting

Sitar Arts Center's Cafritz Gallery is proud to present "In Ekphrasis: To See a Poem / To Hear a Painting" by Jennifer Wessmiller

Derived from the Greek ek (“out”) and phrasis (“speak”), ekphrasis traditionally refers to a literary description or commentary on a visual work of art. This exhibition reimagines that tradition not as a response, but as a mutual exchange between visual art and poetry.

"In Ekphrasis: To See a Poem / To Hear a Painting," each piece is the result of an evolving creative dialogue. Sometimes the poem came first. Other times, the artwork. In many cases, they were developed side by side, influencing one another in process and meaning. The result is a body of work where neither form takes precedence but rather complements, deepens, or challenges the other.

By pairing written and visual language, viewers are invited to consider how meaning can take shape in different forms. How color can evoke emotion, and how words can create atmosphere. The exhibition is less about offering literal translations and more about inviting reflection. It asks viewers to engage with both image and text and to move between them, pause, and interpret in their own way.

"In Ekphrasis" represents a significant step in Jennifer’s creative journey and her continued exploration of how poetry and visual art can coexist and converse.

Be among the first to experience this moving collection! Enjoy an evening of creativety, conversation, and connection.

"In Ekphrasis" will be on display October 30 - December 3, 2025. Sitar Arts Center's Cafritz Gallery is located at 1700 Kalorama Road NW, Suite 101, Washington, D.C., and is open Monday through Friday, from 1p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. – noon.

ABOUT JENNIFER WESSMILLER
Jennifer Wessmiller is an emerging artist and poet based in Springfield, Virginia. Originally from Sulphur, Oklahoma, she is rediscovering her passion for art after careers in teaching, serving in the U.S. Navy, and civil service. She is currently pursuing Fine Arts and Graphic Design degrees at Northern Virginia Community College. Jennifer’s work explores themes of grief, acceptance, and resilience, balanced by whimsical pieces inspired by her love for animals. The winner of Sitar's 15th Annual Patricia Sitar Juried Exhibtion, her award-winning art has been exhibited across Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. She also writes poetry to accompany her work, earning regional recognition. In 2024, she illustrated and designed the cover for Being Human and Other Fabulous Things by F. Boudreaux. Jennifer lives with her husband and son and co-runs NOVA Precision Images, a sports photography business.

ABOUT SITAR ARTS CENTER

Founded in 2000, Sitar Arts Center advances equitable access to high quality education and workforce development in the visual, performing, and digital arts. Sitar Arts Center engages DC youth, from early childhood to young adulthood, in building a creative community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to arts education and career training. Sitar envisions a city in which all young people experience transformative moments through quality, accessible arts education, and career training, and are supported on their path to discover their creativity and achieve their full potential.

For more information, visit www.sitarartscenter.org.