Thank you for submitting your poems. Submissions are now closed.

Do bright colors inspire your imagination? Will sun reflecting off glass “light up” your mind? Can you transform your ideas into a poem?

Attention, young poets: The New York Botanical Garden has an art-inspired adventure for you!

The New York Botanical Garden, in partnership with Poetry Society of America, presents a Poetry Contest for kids in elementary, middle, and high school who live or study in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Students are invited to submit poems (written individually or with student collaborators) inspired by the installations on view at The New York Botanical Garden during CHIHULY, a major exhibition of works by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Submissions can be in any style of poetry, inspired by the artworks in the landscape, Chihuly’s interest in nature, or the experimental nature of his work. All poems should demonstrate originality and inventiveness, just as Chihuly has exhibited these characteristics throughout his career.

In past exhibitions, the Garden has showcased Japanese haiku and tanka, medieval verse, and the poetry of Emily Dickinson and Billy Collins. Now it’s your turn! Twelve winning poems will be selected by National Book Award-winner Jacqueline Woodson to be displayed at NYBG from June to October 2017. Selected student authors and their families will be invited to share their work at a public reading at NYBG on Saturday, June 17 at noon.

To experience CHIHULY, visit the Garden and use our new interactive guide or consult the Teacher Guide and Lesson Plan. Can’t visit NYBG in person? These same resources can bring the experience to life at home or in the classroom.

See the winning poems here, and view the reading below!