Cleary’s Justine Defever Serves as Poetry Juror at Mackinac Island Arts Event - Cleary University 800.686.1883 admissions@cleary.edu Make a Gift Apply Now Apply Now Cleary’s Justine Defever Serves as Poetry Juror at Mackinac Island Arts Event Wensdy Von Buskirk Posted: July 2, 2025 Cleary University’s Justine M. Defever recently served as a poetry juror for the 9th annual Poetic Visions of Mackinac art and poetry exhibition, held June 22 at Mission Point Resort’s Center for the Arts. Hosted by the Mackinac Arts Council, the event features visual art and ekphrastic poetry — poems written in response to artwork — created by Mackinac Island Public Schools students and local community members. As the poetry juror, Defever reviewed submissions across all grade categories and adult entries, selecting winners of the Poetry Award of Excellence. She shared her love for the genre during the event, explaining to the Mackinac Island Town Crier , “Ekphrastic poetry is, as a writer of poetry myself, one of my favorite genres of poetry. It is writing a poem that responds to a piece of artwork and, through that, we see so many new interpretations and details that people notice that maybe the original artist might not have intended.” Defever also spoke about what makes a poem stand out, emphasizing the power of a strong beginning. “That opening line carries a lot of energy, and that is something that writers will specifically spend quite a bit of time on to really hook a reader,” she said. “The more creative, attention-grabbing that first line is, the more energy, that can really help a piece stand out.” Reflecting on the event, Defever added, “It was a blast to see the creativity from grades pre-kindergarten all the way through senior year, and the adult works as well. It was a difficult decision for sure, but they were all beautiful and unique in their own way.” The Poetic Visions of Mackinac exhibition remains on display at the Center for the Arts through August 31. Read the full Mackinac Island Town Crier article here Telephone Number 800.686.1883 Locations & Maps Facebook-f By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging. Cleary graduates use their business arts education to become the employees, entrepreneurs, and leaders who transform the marketplace…and the world. Facebook-f About Cleary Other Information Get in Touch with Us HOWELL Main Campus 3750 Cleary Dr. Howell, MI 48843 800.686.1883 DETROIT 2470 Collingwood St. Detroit, MI 48206 800.686.1883 Mon-Fri | 9am to 5pm Sat-Sun | Closed 800.686.1883 admissions@cleary.edu Get Started Contact Get Info Visit Give Apply Now Information Current Students Future Students Faculty Resources Alumni Relations Quick Links Canvas Email Alumni Portal Student Portal Library Counseling Faculty Portal IT Help Desk