She’s here. I repeat: SHE’S HERE! The fruit of our labor, the apple of our eye, the result of our blood, sweat, and tears... Spring 2018 is here! And she isn’t here to mess around.
This issue is unique to any other that The Lighter has created in its sixty-one years of existence; of course, one big similarity is the excellent content that springs from our Valpo community. In addition to our innovative design and pursuit for high-quality printing, we introduced an important initiative into the magazine that the global creative community has been working on highlighting for years-- the role of artivism.
Artivism is “art” and “activism.” It’s a passionate portrayal of artists’ protests on social issues and calls for awareness of injustices in our world. For this Spring ‘18 semester, we created a contest to encourage this kind of expressions. Our Artivism Contest challenged Valpo creatives to submit any form of art that is in response to, in resistance to, or inspired by current events. Given the current climate of our country, we felt a personal responsibility to use our privilege as a media organization 1) as an opportunity for students to express themselves and 2) to document the perspectives of Valpo students for future generations to understand. There was an overwhelming positive response to our contest that we have endless gratitude for.
We are always incredibly proud of our submitters for sharing a slice of their souls with the community when they choose to send in their pieces, and the Artivism Contest was no different. It was eye-opening for us and the judges to witness the feelings on current issues that our contestants chose to share and that were important to them.
Two honorable mentions were awarded: one to Marcus Boas for his photograph “Dezmen,” and another to Hayley Kim for her prose piece “Stuck.” Our judges, Ellen Orner and John Linstrom, found the winner of our inaugural Artivism Contest in Siclaly Esparza with her piece “Me Too.” Her art and explanation enraptured us, the judges, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same.
About her piece, Siclaly said, “I know with the whole ‘Me Too’ movement, there are some who believe it’s all just a conspiracy. God I wish. I guess it’s hard to believe something you don’t know. But when you don’t listen? When you think it’s just some way for women to get money or fifteen minutes of fame? I mean, if that’s what will make you feel better, but it doesn't erase what happened and what’s still happening. It’s like you have to scream for someone to listen, but even then they’ll say you’re being shrill and will elect Pussygrabber. So I guess I’m tired of stewing in shame and guilt, and that's why I created this piece.”
We’re overflowing with gratitude over the reactions to this new addition and to our new edition. Our Release Party Coffeehouse was a success; featuring many brave creatives who performed at our open mic and supporters of The Lighter from across campus who came to celebrate, pick up a copy of the magazine, and to rejuvenate in our artistic community.
Something big is happening with The Lighter: we felt a shift this year. Wherever the gods of The Lighter Archives take us, we shall follow, and we can’t wait to bring you with.