DEAR CRYPTID

SONNETS OF SECRET CREATURES

Logo by Alysha Little

The exhibit Dear Cryptid: Sonnets of Secret Creatures was the main exhibit in the museum during 2025. A truncated version of the exhibit still exists in the museum. The exhibit detailed through poetry, folklore, science, art, and popular culture our interest in hidden animals, also known as cryptids.

Bigfoot. Mothman. Skunk Ape. Jackalope. Loch Ness Monster. Chupacabra. . . . There’s a very long list of creatures that live perhaps only in our imagination, perhaps in the physical world. This exhibit explores these creatures’ lives, where they came from, how we have experienced them, and what we can learn from them–all in poetry. Particularly sonnets. Particularly sonnets written in the form of an advice column.

But not just sonnets. This exhibit also includes poems from the Dear Cryptid Poem Contest, as well as artwork from the Dear Cryptid Art Contest. The exhibit contains photographs, art assemblages, objects, information, and displays that appeal to the intellect and the imagination. It is also highly interactive with many opportunities to write and draw and win prizes, too.

UPDATE: DEAR CRYPTID art contest artists and future visitors to the exhibit:

We were blessed to have so many contributions to ROMP’s DEAR CRYPTID exhibit. Many visitors to the museum have commented on how wonderful the artwork is. We certainly appreciate the artists who entered our contest and those who contributed directly to the exhibit.

ARTISTS, if you would like your artwork returned, you can pick it up in person anytime at this point. We will have enough artwork to continue the exhibit through November, even if many pieces are picked up.

If you want the artwork mailed to you, please send payment to cover the postage. You can send a check or pay through PayPal by sending the funds to ROMPoetry@gmail.com. Be sure to include your name, address, description of your artwork, etc.

All artwork not picked up by the end of 2025 will be put in storage for at least three months. You can email us and make arrangements if you want to pick up your artwork between January and March 2026.

You can email ROMPoetry@gmail.com or message us here if you have questions or comments.

THANKS AGAIN!