The Pine River Anthology: “Weather the Storm”

GAGANDEEP KAUR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

AUDREY HESTER
EDITOR

11/25/2024

The Pine River Anthology (PRA) is an annually created publication of art and writing made by Alma College students. This can be painting, sculpture, drawing, poetry, prose, or even creative nonfiction essays. Every year, the PRA team chooses a theme that the book is centered around, though submissions do not necessarily have to appeal to that theme. 

This year, PRA’s theme is “Weather the Storm.” Pieces are expected to feature themes of personal growth, struggle, and overcoming challenges. The deadline for top-priority submissions is Dec. 9, and the deadline for low-priority submissions is Jan. 8. To submit, go to www.pineriveranthology.org/submit-works. 

“Publications like PRA provide so much to a campus. First, they are spaces that celebrate art and literature, and so they validate the students who feel these things are not only important but essential.  This publication is shaped by the creative visions of the students who produce it, and it showcases the creative work of all the students who submit to it.  While we might live in an age that focuses on things like career readiness, art is about life. readiness.  Having creative expression, finding and sharing your artistic voice and vision—these are things that help us find meaning, beauty, and joy,” said Professor Laura Von Wallmenich, Alma College’s Associate Professor of English and Associate Provost. She also serves as PRA’s faculty advisor alongside Professor Lee VanderKooi in the art department. 

“Having PRA on Alma’s campus provides students a great opportunity to get their work published, especially since it’s specifically honoring Alma students’ works. It’s more accessible this way and I think it promotes appreciation for the arts among the community,” said Charlayne Aye-Olegario (‘25), PRA’s former Editor-in-Chief. 

Any student, regardless of their major, minor, or preference of discipline, can submit works to PRA. The theme serves as a guideline to provide inspiration, but works are not required to center around it. PRA is an opportunity for all of Alma’s student body to see their creative endeavors published in an official setting, regardless of subject matter. 

“Why not submit?  What holds artists and writers back from submitting is often fear of rejection. Their work reflects who they are, so submitting work for judgment feels vulnerable and risky.  Yet, to grow as artists and writers, risk is essential.  Your creative work needs viewers and readers to communicate your vision to others, and so the real risk is never trying, never sharing,” said Von Wallmenich. 

“PRA is a professional magazine that’s been around for a long time—having your work published shows future employers, especially in the creative fields, that you’ve been working on your professional career as early as possible (literally portfolio building/a great line in your resume) and that you’re dedicated to your craft, and it increases your visibility as an artist or writer,” said Aye-Olegario. 

PRA was founded in 1953, and has produced annual publications since then, making it one of the longest (if not the longest) active student-run organizations on campus. This year will be its seventy-first edition.

“It’s a joy to see the vision for the book evolve each year.  I am excited to see what this year’s book will become,” said Von Wallmenich.