READING FOR WRITERS: NON-FICTION AND POETRY: Ekphrastic Visions: Writing Through Visual Arts -- Legendary poet Frank O'Hara wrote, "I think I would rather be a painter, but I am not." How can our writing respond to and be inspired by art in imaginative and startling ways? In this course we will practice ekphrasis, the poetic written description of art, by learning how to study art (and the artist and even the art space itself!) to create writing that pushes beyond mere description and creates a whole new way to enter or "reframe" the original artwork. The class will include field trips to various art institutions, from museums (such as The MOMA or Guggenheim), to galleries, and to places one might least expect to witness art. Students will be taught procedures including innovative narrative techniques, collage and layering, a unique use of sensory detail and personae, combined techniques of critical analysis and imaginary elements and speculative approaches that they will apply to their writing about art. This course will not only permit you to check out the art scene in NYC, but is also an opportunity to take a detour from your typical writing habits and interests and let art guide you towards new, interesting writing. Readings include art criticism and essays by John Yau, Albert Mobilio and Eileen Myles, and ekphrastic poems by John Ashbery, Victoria Chang, Brian Teare and Robin Coste Lewis. There also will be opportunities, if you desire, to include images of your own artwork together with your writing.