This content was published: August 3, 2001. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Alchemy Literature Teaches Students Art of Publishing
Photos and Story by James Hill
PORTLAND, Ore. – It’s written, edited and designed by students. Every year Portland Community College produces the yearbook Alchemy, 80 pages of poetry, prose, art and photographs by students and a few invited artists. Students of the Advanced Creative Writing – Editing and Publishing class at the Sylvania Campus, get experience producing a publication from start to finish."It made me aware of the whole concept of editing and publishing,"said Laura Poplin, who was a student in the advanced creative writing – editing and publishing class last year. "It helped me to get to know basic proof reading skills and the various publishing programs."Poplin, who holds a bachelor’s degree in French from Brigham Young University, is using her Alchemy skills to eventually obtain a master’s degree in writing.In May, Ash Creek Press of Portland printed 350 copies, which can be picked up at any PCC bookstore for $4 each, or $1 for any past issue. Creative writing, graphics and printing instructors advised students on their work as they progressed through the school year. Also, a graphic arts class held a contest among its 25 students to design the cover."It’s a very interesting class,"said Tim Barnes, faculty advisor for Alchemy and an instructor in composition and literature. "They really get into it and the students get a real sense of how to do desktop publishing."This year, Alchemy, which first started in 1973, includes poetry like Elizabeth Merz’s "Daffodil,"where she describes the colorful antics of the flower, or photography depicting Randah Swellem’s human-like and eye-catching sculpture, "Raven."The book also includes short prose by Maria Caruso, English instructor, who composed, "Ten Pounds in Ten Days: Inspirational Stories of How Six Women Lost it,"and Trisha Knight’s scratchboard piece titled, "Women."All are just a few examples of the wide variety of artwork offered by Alchemy. To get a copy of Alchemy, contact the PCC Bookstore at 503-977-4910 (Sylvania Campus), 503-614-7209 (Rock Creek) or 503-978-5267 (Cascade).
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »