Literary Arts Residency

Pen + Brush - New York, NY | 2017 - 2018

For over 131 years, Pen and Brush has been the only international nonprofit organization providing a platform to showcase the work of professional, emerging, and mid-career women and gender- expansive artists and writers to a broader audience. This gallery elevates women in the visual and literary arts, ensuring women are recognized and valued for their cultural contributions.

As a Literary Arts Resident, Marissa Ayala designed reading and writing ekphrastic workshops for NYC residents. The ekphrastic series prompted writers to consider the politics of oppression, protest, and voice, guided by critical texts from Claudia Rankine, Renee Gladman, Solmaz Sharif, and more.

Events were open to writers, activists, and artists seeking to engage with the power of protest via the arts.