BGSU literary journal celebrates 50th anniversary
This year marks the 50th anniversary release of “Prairie Margins,” Bowling Green State University’s undergraduate literary journal. Well known for contributions by notable authors, the journal will launch the new edition with an open-mic reading at 9 p.m. on Nov. 14 in 316 Bowen-Thompson Student Union.
Founded in 1963 by Sigma Tau Delta and editor-in-chief Richard L. Arthur, “Prairie Margins” is a student-run undergraduate literary organization striving to publish the best works of undergraduate prose, poetry and art in a professionally bound journal.
Notable past contributors include BGSU alumni Seth Fried, author of “The Great Frustration,” and Hugo Award-winning science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, creator of “The Foundation Series.”
According to Arthur’s editor’s statement in the first edition, “Prairie Margins” offers “a wide variety of material with the idea that the magazine will appeal to a large number of students.”
The 50th anniversary edition features artwork by Graehound, the award-winning poetry of alumnus Andrew Spiess and the editors’ favorite nonfiction piece, “Milnes and, NM: the Lesser Prairie Chicken.”
This years’ edition took three years to put together instead of the usual one because a memorial section, comprised of pieces published during the last 50 years, was included in the 176-page journal.
“Few other magazines publish only undergraduates,” said Editor-in-Chief Rachel Gast. “I know of a lot more Master of Fine Arts literary magazines than Bachelor of Fine Arts magazines like ours.”
To celebrate the newly printed edition, the editors of “Prairie Margins” are inviting attendees at the Winter Wheat writing conference, past contributors and the BGSU community to participate in an open-mic anniversary party and to take a free copy of the magazine.
"We're thrilled to have the ‘Prairie Margins’ 50th anniversary party and launch as part of our Winter Wheat kickoff,” said adviser Abigail Cloud. The launch follows a reading by alumnus Mark Brazaitis, “so Thursday night will be a celebration of what BGSU's students, past and present, are doing. We'll follow that up through the weekend as ‘Prairie Margins’ editors participate in the annual writing festival as session presenters."
All are welcome to the launch party, held from 9-11 p.m. in 316 Bowen-Thompson Student Union. For more information about “Prairie Margins,” find it on Facebook or visit prairiemargins.com.
Press Release Contact Name: Bonnie Blankinship
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Bowling Green State University
Organization Address: Toledo, OH