National Poetry Month is just around the corner!
Each year, the Witte partners with local poets and art institutions to explore how artwork and artifacts inspire powerful narratives through poetry, as part of the Ekphrastic Poetry Contest.
Submit a poem written in response to the 1916 Ford Motor Company Model T from our collection. The winning poem will be shared on participating sites in April to celebrate National Poetry Month and invited to read at a Celebratory Event to be held at McNay Art Museum, Chiego Hall, on April 23, 2026 at 6:00 pm.
1916 Ford Motor Company Model T
Gift of Albert Steves Sr.
Donated in 1946, this 1916 Ford Motor Company Model T once belonged to San Antonio lumberman Albert Steves Sr.
Today, you can see the Model T on view near the entrance of the Witte’s Valero Great Hall, along with additional artifacts featured in The Steves Family:Building San Antonio exhibition in the Steves Family Gallery.
Reserve your Museum Admission online here or purchase tickets at the Walker Admission Desk upon arrival.
What is an ekphrastic poem?
An ekphrastic poem is written in response to an artwork. These poems take an existing piece of visual art, and uses written words to describe and expand on the theme of that work of art. The poem should not simply describe the artwork; it should express how the art enlightens, puzzles, moves, inspires you, etc. Many of these poems explore hidden meanings or an underlying story.
Contest Information
San Antonio and South Texas poets are invited to submit poems inspired by artworks from five San Antonio arts institutions.
Categories:
- Adults
- Youth, ages 13 – 17
- Youth, age 12 and under
Contest Opens: February 4, 2026
Submission Deadline: March 4, 2026
There is no entry fee to the contest but museum admission is required to view the 1916 Ford Motor Company Model T.
Submission Details:
For the official guidelines and required form, please visit 2026 National Poetry Month Contast
Only poems written in response to officially selected museum artworks and submitted using the official Google Form will be considered.
Save the Date!
Ekphrastic Celebration Reading by winning poets at McNay Art Museum, April 23, 2026, Chiego Hall at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public; attendees must pre-register HERE
Judges:
- Jim LaVilla Havelin, 2026 National Poetry Month coordinator,
- Eddie Vega, San Antonio Poet Laureate,
- Linda Simone, poet, artist, educator,
They will select up to three poems per artwork for each category.