A sneak peak: The Mountain Laurel
Posted by The Skyliner on March 31st, 2010James Moore
Staff Writer
Every year the staff of the Mountain Laurel searches through numerous submissions to find the best art that North Greenville University has to offer. More than150 student submissions were received this year, and 60 were chosen to fill up the 70-page publication.
The Mountain Laurel has been in publication since the 1960s. Over the years, it has gone from the mass communication department’s responsibility to the English department, where it currently resides. The publication is to give a reflection of a Christian worldview and to encourage others with their artistic talent, be it written or visual. The English department works hard each year in the development of an outlet for creative expression.
Christopher “Gia” Gianakas, senior interdisciplinary studies major and editor of the Mountain Laurel, when asked about negative, shocking material being submitted said, “I’m equally shocked by the good quality that comes in. We want to meet that person and get them on the staff.”
On March 24, he Mountain Laurel held a preview event for this year’s publication.
Surrounded by the Zimbabwe decor of the Leopard Forest Coffee Company, students stood in front of the audience to give a live preview of their artwork that was to be included in this year’s Mountain Laurel. Although a couple of students were nervous, the portrayal of their hearts was a distraction for their shaky hands. Pictures and paintings were presented and poems and short stories were read aloud to an attentive audience.
The preview event for the Mountain Laurel is in its second year. The intention is to make it an annual event.
The publication release date is scheduled for the last week in April. To support hard work and artistic representation, the English department is raising funds by selling Mountain Laurel buttons. Hopefully by reading the artwork that fills the booklet, others will be inspired to create art of their own. Every year the bar should be raised for the representation of Christian creativity.
Make sure you assist in the inspiration by picking up your copy of the Mountain Laurel when it becomes available. If you know the featured artists and are moved by their work, make sure that you give them positive feedback and let them know that their art has been noticed. Our support for each other will only push us to give more of our feelings for the glorification of the Lord.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 9