Calling all artists and writers!

Spring 2026 Art Show

We are excited to announce a new art show scheduled for this spring.  The date is still being finalized, but we want to give everyone time to create their pieces.

The theme is ‘Dare to Dream: Brokenness Needs Beauty.’ Given the state of the world, given how complicated ordinary life can be, given all the uncertainty we face everyday, this is a theme that perhaps feels close to the hearts of many artists and writers. How does art bring healing?

For this show, visual art will be paired with poems. You may submit visual art, poetry, or both; visual artists may also choose to partner with a poet they know, or vice-versa. Check out previous art shows for inspiration.

The show will be both in person and online. We would like everyone to participate.

We can’t wait to see and read your submissions! Submit your work to anawimarts@gmail.com.

Creative Sparks: When the Spirit Moves You

We have a new feature on our website, called Creative Sparks. Have you ever read something or seen something in nature and felt as though it triggered a need for creative expression on your part? That is what we are looking for. It does not need to be long or involved or complicated or perfect. We encourage everyone to see these as moments of grace and to share the creative expression that surfaces.

These can be written or visual. It is up to you. We look forward to seeing your Creative Spark. Submit your work to anawimarts@gmail.com.

Anawim Arts First Book of Poetry

You may be aware that one of our founders and a poet, Karen Hurley Kuchar, passed away from pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2023. During her cancer experience, she wrote a moving collection of poems, under the title How to Live While Dying.

With Karen’s family, we are honored to share this collection of poems as Anawim’s Arts’ first published book.

Karen’s book will be launched at the opening of the spring art show. Once it is available for sale, we will let you know. For now, let us leave you with one short sample from the book, which will perhaps inspire you for the art show —

Butterfly's Gift

I want to see
these hard times
we live in
as the inside of the chrysalis
and we await
transformation
because the darkness grows
and I am afraid.

The caterpillar
becomes cellular soup first
before its imaginal cells
dream of wings.