By Gianna Mulvey
The Review of Art and Literature, one of the five Bold Media clubs on campus, is making its return again in the near future. After the successful release of the most recent edition to the campus community, the Executive Board of The Review made the difficult decision last semester to step down from their positions due to a lack of interest from general members, leaving the club inactive.
However, Dan Bevacqua, Director of the Creative Writing Program, Associate Professor of English, and professor at Western New England University, has decided it’s time for The Review of Art and Literature to make its return.
There were many factors and difficulties that led the previous Executive Board of the club to step down, and no one, students or faculty alike, showed any interest in reviving the club—that is, except for Bevacqua, who was determined to preserve the arts on campus.
“The Review of Art and Literature has, for decades, showcased the incredible talent on our campus—both in the literary and visual arts,” Bevacqua said. “It’s part of the creative life of Western New England University in the same way The Westerner is or the Stageless Players.”
One of the major reasons for The Review’s decision to go inactive was the low general member count. It can be difficult to edit and produce a magazine with so few people on staff.
“I hope the biggest difference [this year] will be more involvement from a larger group of general members,” Bevacqua said. “If there are more Review staff members querying, reading, and editing student submissions, this will help lessen the burden on the editorial staff. Literary journals are like parties: more people [equals] more fun.”
Bevacqua also shared an idea that fellow professor and co-advisor for The Review of Art and Literature, Heather Salazar, had thought of to garner more interest in the club from students.
“One of the terrific ideas… was hosting events geared toward the creation of student work, like ‘How to Write a Poem Night’ or ‘Photography 101,’ Bevacqua said.
Bevacqua has in mind a few changes for the club compared to previous years.
“Another huge difference will be that the Review will be published on campus by Print Services, who do great work,” Bevacqua said. “This will allow for a smoother publishing process, and we will have the opportunity to print more copies… there will [also] be a website in the near future—with the idea being that not only will our students be read on campus, but across the world.”
The Review is, first and foremost, a club and a space to engage with the campus community and to have fun with other creative artists and individuals on campus.
“Being on staff at The Review of Art and Literature will be a fun opportunity to develop and sharpen your editorial skills, get hands-on experience in a literary magazine, and hang out with friends old and new,” Bevacqua said.
Bevacqua is excited to witness the creative process of a new edition of The Review of Art and Literature and is determined to see that the club remains an active and popular part of campus life.
“In 2025, I want to see The Review of Art and Literature everywhere. I want everyone to know about the talent of our students.”
If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please reach out to Dan Bevacqua via email at [email protected].
