National Quilt Museum is hosting a Say Your Piece; Black Mothers, Martyrs and Misunderstood (SYP) two-part event consisting of a Youth Poetry Contest and Open Mic on February 17th. This culminating event will end the SYP exhibition which focused on enlightening the audience on specific issues that have and continue to affect Black women in America. It is a unique experience as it provides the quilt artists an opportunity to display what speaks to them, to you, to us. This event is all about merging mediums of creative expression and we cannot wait for you to SAY YOUR PIECE!
A cash prize will be given to each first-place winner.
There are two categories, please see details below for the Say Your Piece Youth Poetry Contest.
Youth participants are invited to submit a poem by February 3rd by 5:00pm to Stacey Watson, Director of Equitable Partnerships at ([email protected]). You may also email her with any questions.
For information regarding the Open Mic Contest click here
Say Your Piece Youth Poetry Contest Rules and Guidelines:
- Participants must be between the ages of 13-17.
- All poems MUST include and/or reference a quilt from the Say Your Piece; BlackMothers, Martyrs and Misunderstood exhibition in some recognizable way. We want toknow what inspired you to Say Your Piece!
- All poems submitted MUST be original and unpublished.
- No more than 30 lines a poem and not to exceed two minutes when performing.
- Absolutely no profanity or obscene language and naming of government officials.
- Only one poem per person.
- All entries should be submitted to Stacey Watson: [email protected]
- Label email with the subject line “Say Your Piece Youth Poetry Contest”
- Submit poem in a Microsoft Word document (Basic information should be included-name, email, phone number and school name if not homeschooled). Google Documents will not be accepted and disqualified from entry.
- The signed parent/guardian Publicity Authorization and Release form MUST be included with poetry submission.
- Participants are encouraged to submit a video to accompany their piece but not required.
- All participants will have free admission to the museum from January 16th-February 3rd. Please inform the front desk associate you are a SYP Youth Poetry Contestant. If you are unable to view the exhibition during the above dates in person, please request a gallery guide for inspiration.
- Unfortunately, The One for Eric G, by quilt artist Chawne Kimber will not be available during this time and therefore cannot be used for competition purposes.
Winners will be announced on February 10th by email and are expected to perform on February 17th at the National Quilt Museum (215 Jefferson Street Paducah, Kentucky, 42001). Be sure to check out our website at https://quiltmuseum.org/ and follow us on social media @nationalquiltmuseum on both Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Download the Parent/Guardian release form HERE and return to the museum, or fill out the release form digitally below.
