There isn’t one theme that can summarize the pieces collected by Montage Arts Journal. The editorial staff doesn’t limit the pieces that can be submitted; instead, most of Montage focuses on the crossroads of art and relationships.
The annually published magazine curates writing and art creations throughout the year from students of any major. Members of the editorial board work diligently to ensure that each submission is given a fair chance to be part of the magazine.
“(The University is) a super diverse place, and we just like showcasing that in the pieces that we do,” said Genesis Jara, Montage social media chair and senior in LAS. “Different mediums of art, different ways of writing, different experiences.”
This year, Montage Arts Journal had an increase in submissions, with 76 literature pieces and 44 art pieces. The magazine got its name out more by emailing professors in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, specifically in creative writing, to encourage students to submit and by having a more active social media presence.
The magazine has also appeared at several local house shows to sell past issues. Molly Cooper Willis, Montage Arts Journal co-president and junior in LAS, said there is an “intersection” of the communities who enjoy literary magazines such as Montage and live music.
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“There’s just a wider lack of support and interest in the arts lately,” Willis said. “So it’s just more important than ever for these little communities … to support people who are interested in literature and undergraduate up-and-coming writers.”
Montage has a staff of about 15 editorial members. During meetings, they critique submissions and figure out what best suits the direction of their magazine. Outside of meetings, they have social events or even read each other’s work.
While there still is not a cohesive genre that the editorial staff is looking for, one theme does stand out in all the submissions they receive: relationships.
“I personally believe that art and relationships are intertwined,” said Adam Vinn, Montage technological advisor and sophomore in Social Work. “Other people are our inspiration, our model, our backdrop towards creating something.”
Many of the pieces the staff reads are about romantic relationships and the angst that college love brings. Other common inspirations for pieces include being a college student and specific areas of study.
But relationships don’t just exist in the content of the magazine; Montage has created relationships among the staff. The RSO has led to friendships and professional relationships.
Vinn says that being a part of the editorial staff has inspired him to write more and helped him become a better writer.
“There are a decent amount of times that I have reached out to one of my fellow board members to go and review my writing,” Vinn said. “I don’t just trust them, but I also trust their form as an author.”
With relationships comes empathy.
“It’s just nice to see people from all walks of life engaging in the literary art scene, because I think art and writing, especially fiction, fosters empathy,” Willis said. “I think empathy is something we really need at this point in the world, but also … college students need empathy, and they need to feel seen and heard.”
Montage’s impact also isn’t limited to those on campus. Just last week, Willis sold a few magazines to a creative writing teacher at a local high school.
“(The teacher) said he would show them to the class, just so they could see what the future might look like if they want to join a similar club … and just to see that there is a world out there beyond high school that encourages creativity,” Willis said.
The submission portal closed Feb. 14, and Montage’s editorial staff will spend a couple of months sorting through pieces. The magazine will be published in May.
