Graftings

Graftings is a one-night interdisciplinary exhibition at Rhizome DC that brings together twelve artists across poetry, visual art, and film in a linked creative conversation. The project began with a single poem, which a visual artist then responded to with an artwork; from that artwork, another poet wrote a new poem, and the pattern continued, creating a chain of inspiration moving back and forth between poetry and visual art. At each stage, a filmmaker transformed the paired poem and artwork into a short video poem. For this event, the entire chain is assembled in one space, so visitors can explore the poems and visual artworks, watch the video poems, and see how each creative response grew from the work before it.

The evening is designed for poetry lovers, film fans, visual art enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how creativity evolves through listening and responding. Admission is free, but space is limited and attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance. Graftings is supported by a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities.

When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

Venue: Rhizome DC.

Tickets: Free, but space is limited; RSVP is required or recommended to reserve a spot.

Run time: Approximately 3.5 hours.

Lineup: Poets include Michele Evans, Sean Felix, Kristen Zory King, and Jenn Koiter. Visual artists include Emily Atkinson, Khadija Jahmila, Kyujin Lee, and Alexandra N. Sherman. Filmmakers include Joe Dzikiewicz, Dani Ellsworth, Jon Lutz, and James Mae.

Format: An exhibition of poems and visual artworks paired into video poems, presented as a full chain of creative responses across three disciplines.

Note: Supported by a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities.