Liberate the Muse

Spring 2014 edition of Sirocco released

Sirocco, GSW’s Arts Magazine, is published each year in April by students. A reading and reception celebrating the release of the 2014 edition, “Liberate the Muse,” was held April 16 in the Marshall Student Center Faculty Dining Room.

The magazine features literary, visual and theater work, chosen by a student editorial staff, from students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The cover artwork, “Lightning,” is an oil painting by Sunni Zemblowski, alumna from class of 2012. Her piece was selected after winning the Sirocco Cover Prize sponsored by Global Graphics. The magazine’s literary editors were Alison McCarter and Ellen Kay. Ashley Bratcher was the art editor. Lindley McGuire, Meagan Pierce, Faica Paul, and Hannah Ruiz served on the editorial staff.

Literary Editors, Ellen Kay (left) and Alison McCarter give a framed copy of this year’s Sirocco to its honoree, Dr. Genie Bryan.

Made possible through the generous support of GSW President Emeritus William Capitan, Ph.D., and the late Dolores Capitan, the Dolores Capitan Writing Award winners were named at the celebration, as well. Academic Division winners were Kassandra Tuten, first place; Andre Ivey, second place; and Diane Tebbel, third place. Lauren Collier won the Editor’s Choice Award sponsored by Little Brother’s Bistro and Amanda Harrah won the “Pat’s Place Poetry Prize” for best poetry submission.

Each year, the magazine is dedicated to someone who has supported the arts or the magazine in some significant way. Genie Bryan, Ph.D., department chair and associate professor of English and Modern Language is this year’s honoree. Bryan served as the faculty advisor of Sirocco from 2011 to 2013 and participates in the Sumter Players and the Southwest Civic Chorus.

“Dr. Bryan promotes intelligent thought and creativity,” states the “Dedication” section of the Sirocco. “She encourages her students to challenge conventional interpretations and create their own meanings.”