
The 5th annual collaboration between the Art Club of McKinney, TX and the Mockingbird Poetry Society celebrates the inspiring exchange between visual art and the written word. Artists and poets are paired to create original works in response to each other, forming the heart of the event.
The exhibit & showcase format features the paired works on display for an extended run, along with an opening-night reception to unveil the collection and a next-day showcase featuring live poetry readings and artist spotlights.
Reception: Fri, Feb 6, 6–8 PM CST at Collective Coffee
301 W Louisiana St Suite 200, McKinney, TX 75069
Exhibit on Display: Fri, Feb 6 – Sat, Feb 14
Art & Poetry Showcase: Sat, Feb 7, 12–6 PM CST at TBA
Her piece The Reader — acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas, 16" × 20" — has been named Winner of the Art Meets Poetry Art Contest and will appear on all promotional materials for the 2026 Art Meets Poetry Exhibit & Showcase.
The Reader beautifully captures the spirit of Art Meets Poetry with its focus on reading, lyrical composition, and magical, ethereal quality.
This annual art contest invites artists to submit work for a chance to be featured on all Art Meets Poetry event marketing and promo materials—thank you to the 37+ artists who entered this year!

Phase 1 — Submit Original Work (Art or Poetry) NOW CLOSED
Deadline: Sat, Nov 15, 11:59 PM CST
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Phase 2 — Select & Interpret Someone Else's Work
Window: Mon, Nov 17 – Sat, Dec 13, 11:59 PM CST
(Reserve one poem or artwork to interpret out of the Phase 1 submissions.)
Original Art Submissions:
View Artwork
Original Poetry Submissions:
View Poetry
To reserve a piece, please email Barry Rynk of the Mockingbird Poetry Society at ArtMeetsPoetryProgram@gmail.com and include the entry number of the piece you wish to interpret.
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Phase 3 — Submit Your Finished Interpretation (Applies to Poetry and Art) for Final Exhibition
Deadline: Sat, Jan 24, 11:59 PM CST
Logistics
Physical Art Drop-Off: Thu, Feb 5, 4–6 PM CST
Art Pick-Up: Sun, Feb 15, 12–2 PM CST
If you can’t make any of these times, contact Kathryn Iklé in advance to arrange alternate times: theartclubofmckinney@gmail.com
Make sure to download and read the prospectus for all key details about the show—important dates, requirements, submission instructions, labels, and accommodation suggestions for those traveling from out of town.
Art Meets Poetry Prospectus 2026 (pdf)
Download

