The Talon staff sat down with Lisa Pergi, senior editor of Soundings Literary and Visual Arts Journal, to discuss upcoming events and a special edition of the journal.
What is Soundings, and why is it important?
Soundings is the literary and visual arts journal for campus. We publish poetry, prose, photography and visual art from staff, faculty, alumni and students. We’ve been doing this for nearly 50 years. It’s all student-run, and it’s important because it’s really a great creative outlet for anyone on campus who does art. We also do open mic nights for things that can’t be published. We try to give all students, faculty, alumni and staff an opportunity to tell people about their art. For a lot of students, it’s the first time they’re being published, so it’s a great resume item as well.
How did you originally get involved with Soundings?
I was a freshman looking at the student announcements. I saw the intern application. I didn’t know what Soundings was, but I’m one of those people who fills out the form anyway. Then I got the internship, and I’ve been involved ever since.
What makes the fall edition of Soundings special?
This is our first special edition. It’s been a few months in the making. Since we’ve been publishing for almost 50 years, the Beam Library has archived most of our journals. The first one that I know of was from 1972. I’ve read every single journal we’ve ever published and selected pieces with my editorial team to republish. The fall edition is not original work; it’s republished work from our archives.
It’s called “Postcards from Soundings: Selections from 1972-2019.” I’m really proud of it. That’s what makes it special: it’s our first special edition.
Why did you feel it was important to release this “throwback” edition?
Honestly, it’s just really fun. I don’t think many people know Soundings has been around so long, or that it’s so important. The journals that are in the archives just sit there unless you know to go look for them. There’s a lot of really interesting things. There are certain themes that span across the decades, and it’s really fun to be able to read through those and trace those themes and how they were treated in different decades. I think it’s important to celebrate our history and give thanks for the great run that we’ve had and carry that into the future.
What stands out to you from this new edition?
It’s huge. We’ve been using the same printer since 2003, and we do half-page sizes [for the normal journals]. This one, we’re going full-page size. In Dr. Shank’s words, it has coffee table appeal. It’s also beautiful. It looks like a vintage postcard.
When will the new edition be released?
It is being unveiled Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Garvey Center art gallery. We’ll also have them around. You can pick one up in the English department. You can pick one up at the Christmas Market. We’ll probably have a few at Open Mic Night, which is Nov. 5.
What is the hardest aspect of your job?
Probably just keeping everything organized. I manage a staff of 12, and managing the journal is more than just editorial work and putting together the actual printed piece of what we give out to people. It’s also managing the budget side of things and the PR side of things. It’s basically like running your own business, even though it’s a nonprofit.
How do students submit work? Are submissions still being accepted?
Students can submit work through our website. We don’t have the link up yet, but submissions are opening Dec. 3, which is the same night as our annual Christmas market at the Lighting of the Commons. All of the info on word count and tips and tricks for getting accepted with be on the website.
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