By Remy Niland and Angel Martinez
As the sun sets on Springfield College, a group of students remains huddled in Weiser Hall. They sit around the conference table, reviewing anonymous submissions from students, faculty and alumni as the room darkens around them. At first, they don’t bother to turn on the lights.
As members of the Alden Street Review (ASR) Editorial Board, the students are eager to develop their annual publication of original literary and artistic works from the Springfield College community. Established in 1987, the magazine is devoted to creating a captivating collection of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and images.
This year, the magazine is led by Executive Editor Remy Niland, who is in her fourth year with the publication.
“It’s been rewarding,” Niland said. “I’ve been lucky enough to see the magazine adapt over the last four years, and work with people who are as passionate about literature and writing as I am.”
Also on the Editorial Board are Art Therapy major Rachel Justice and Health Science major Angel Martinez.
“I consider writing as a part of art,” Justice said. “I love ASR because of the community it creates for artists on campus. It’s easy to feel that our work is less important or not as ‘practical’ as other majors, but having the school’s literary magazine provides the outlet for art we desperately need.”
Martinez is in his first year with the magazine after submitting to the previous edition.
“I wanted to join ASR mostly to experience another element of the writing world that isn’t actually writing,” Martinez said. “I wanted to gain the experience to really do everything I can when it comes to writing, production, etc.”
James Uyar is an English and Computer science major, who has been on the Editorial Board since transferring to Springfield last year.
“I was in need of community and a creative outlet,” Uyar said. “I’m someone who immensely enjoys all things literature, I joined ASR and found just that. Making friends can be hard as a commuter who transferred in his junior year but I found comfort and good friends through our mutual love of critique and creation.”
Under the supervision of faculty member Mike Spry, ASR has focused on embracing change and expanding its reach. The magazine seeks to constantly adapt to the modern era and times to provide its audience with a welcoming environment where art can be shared. This year, the board has developed a new website and has rebuilt the submission guidelines in hopes of cultivating creativity from the community.
ASR has an open-door policy, inviting students from all walks of life to join the Editorial Board and aid in the creation and production of this year’s edition of the journal. It prides itself on being a safe space for those seeking to express themselves through the written word or visual arts, regardless of their experience level, as well as those wanting behind-the-scenes experience in creative production.
“I’m excited to see the final edition,” Niland said. “Getting to hold the physical magazine in your hand, knowing that you are helping writers and artists publish their work, and seeing our names in print. There’s nothing more fulfilling.”
For aspiring contributors, the submission deadline for the upcoming edition is Feb. 14. Submissions can be conveniently made through the ASR website (https://aldenstreetreview.com). Contributors for both writing and artistic pieces are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the submission guidelines before sharing their creative endeavors. ASR dedicates itself to transparency and fairness in the selection process in its efforts to showcase the best of Springfield College’s creative genius.
Photo Courtesy of aldenstreetreview.com