Dozens of poets, designers and community members gathered on Saturday, April 13, in celebration of the latest edition of the “Kolob Canyon Review,” a student-published journal of literature and design. Contributing designers displayed their art along the edges of the R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center’s Great Hall, while literary contributors read their work aloud.
In addition to securing a personal copy of the journal, attendees could purchase various fish-themed merchandise — complementing this year’s theme of “hawt salmon” — including tote bags, stickers, t-shirts and posters.
DJ Wilson, the art director for this edition of “KCR,” shared the bittersweet feeling of reaching the finish line after such an intensive project.
“It’s very exciting to be done but a little bit sad,” said Wilson. “We put so much time and effort into it; the book looks amazing. I don’t know if I could even quantify the amount of hours. We had a lot of late nights.”
Brock Landrum, an assistant professor of graphic design, helped guide his students through the design process over the semester.
“This opportunity is insane,” said Landrum. “The students come in and put a book together that they can hold. They can go to the press and see how production happens. It’s really one of the closest things we offer students on both the design and English side where they can hop in and get real-world experience.”
Also present at the event was Nathaniel “Nano” Taggart, the faculty advisor for the English side of “KCR” production. He emphasized the benefits of “KCR” as a way to be part of a wider community of creators.
“The act of creating is often a solitary one,” shared Taggart, “especially if you’re someone who tortures themselves over the work you’re creating. When we do events like this, it actually becomes a physical community of people who come together, and then the isolating effect of artistry is kind of diminished. It’s pretty magical.”
The launch party featured two “KCR” celebrities: current co-Editor-in-Chief Megan Anderson and her successor for next year’s edition, Charlie Jones. Anderson spearheaded the 2024 edition in collaboration with her co-editor, Miah Hardy.
“My favorite part about ‘KCR’ is definitely the people,” said Anderson. “I just love them so much. They make the book possible.”
Jones already has lots of ideas for next year’s journal and plans to start the planning process later this month.
“We are just going to take a bunch of notes from this wonderful event that we just had and figure out what we want to add,” said Jones. “I really love ‘KCR’; it was the first place I ever got published. It meant a lot to me, and I just want to continue that for other people.”
To be featured as a contributor in the 2025 edition of “KCR,” watch for their open submission call in the fall. For more information about the magazine or to view previously published work, visit their website.
Author: Nick Stein
Photos: Nick Stein
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