Saturday Multi-Age Workshop

Artwords: An Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop Led by Aidan Dolbashian

July 11, 11–12:30 PM

Join poet and MAM education team member Aidan Dolbashian in this FREE multi-age workshop focused on writing, art, and all the places they intersect. Have you ever thought about what story a piece of art might be telling? Have you ever stared so long at a painting you began to wonder what lies beyond the frame? Have you ever imagined what a sculpture might do if it could get up and walk out of the room? Even if you haven’t, we’ll explore the answers to these questions (and more!) through the lens of ekphrastic poetry, or poetry inspired by works of art. In this generative workshop we’ll talk about ekphrastic poetry as a form (with examples) before participants get the chance to explore MAM’s exhibitions and create their very own art-inspired poems.

No experience necessary. Pen and paper provided. Just come ready to write!

Bio: Aidan Dolbashian began working at the Missoula Art Museum as a Visitor Educator in 2024. He is a graduate of University College Dublin’s M.A. Creative Writing program, where he served as the poetry editor for the HCE Review, the UCD M.A. program’s former literary journal. He received his B.A. in English from the University of Vermont, where he produced an honors thesis centered on prose poetry. His work has been previously published in Bat City Review, New Ohio Review, South Dakota Review, and Juked.

Workshop is capped at 25 participants. Please register in advance to save your spot(s). Drop-ins are welcome if space is available. Please note: Kids under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. If kids ages 11-18 attend without an adult, MAM is not responsible for their whereabouts if they leave the workshop or museum.