MENDOCINO CO., 8/4/25 — This year’s much-anticipated “Ekphrasis” exhibit opens Wednesday at the Artists’ Co-op in Mendocino.
The annual group exhibit is inspired by “ekphrasis,” an ancient Greek word that means “to speak out.”
Historically, ekphrastic writers have used vivid narrative to describe or reflect on a piece of art. One of the most famous examples is John Keats’ “Ode to a Grecian Urn.”
In contemporary Mendocino, the “Ekphrasis” exhibit has come to mean both writers using words to describe how a work of visual art has affected them and artists creating visual art in response to written pieces.
The exhibit features 20 co-op artists partnering with 20 writers from the Writers of the Mendocino Coast. It’s the 14th year the two organizations have partnered on the exhibit.
Two special events will complement the exhibit.
A gala will be held Saturday at 7 p.m. as part of Mendocino’s Second Saturday Art Walk. Refreshments will be served and artists and writers will talk about their experience in working on the project.
On Sunday, Ekphrasis writers will read their entries aloud next to a full-size projection of the artwork they inspired or were inspired by. Writers Read takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Mendocino High School’s Matheson Performing Arts Center, 45096 Cahto St., Mendocino.
“Ekphrasis” runs from Oct. 8 through Nov. 3 at the Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino, 10400 Kasten St., Mendocino. More information is available by calling (707) 937-2217 or by visiting www.artcoopmendocino.com.