BROOKE THAMES
A&E Writer
Photos courtesy of Jakob Maier
A collection of literary-minded Lutes gathered to share their creativity as contestants in a writing contest.
Sponsored by Saxifrage, the Writing Competition held on Feb. 26 in the CAVE provided an opportunity for writers to perform, have fun and receive recognition for their talent in the process.
Saxifrage is a student-run literary arts journal. For 40 years, the Saxifrage team has been responsible for publishing the creative works of students, faculty, staff and alumni.
At the conclusion of every year, Saxifrage produces a book comprised of poetry, prose, visual art, etc. created by members of the Pacific Lutheran University community. Saxifrage also sponsors several events throughout the year aimed at writers and other artists.
“We run events to foster community and bring together the many creative individuals at PLU,” Co-editor Jakob Maier said.
The campus-wide Writing Competition was held by Saxifrage in cooperation with the English Honor Society. The competition was organized as an opportunity for students to perform their works of art in front of an audience and perhaps gain an award for their talent.
Contestants in the competition had the chance to perform in three categories: short poetry, short prose and Worst Poem Ever. Two awards were given in each category, a People’s Choice Award based off of audience voting and an Editor’s Pick Award.
Prizes for winning in a category included $20 gift cards to Northern Pacific Coffee Company and 208 Garfield.
Eighteen individuals took part in the contest, and 10 of them entering the category Worst Poem Ever — a fun category that challenged contestants to craft their most inferior attempt at poetry.
Events such as the Saxifrage Writing Competition are sponsored with the goal of bringing creative minds together.
“We put on the writing contest because we thought it would be a fun and entertaining chance for students to share their work,” Maier said. “Saxifrage…is the only real venue that members of the PLU community have to share [it].”
The Writing Competition is an example of one of the many ways that Saxifrage strives to create a platform for PLU’s creative geniuses.
“We got the chance to hear very creative work…[at the Writing Contest],” Maier said. “Some of it humorous, some of it heart-wrenching, but all of it absolutely wonderful.”
Submissions to Saxifrage can be submitted at http://www.plu.edu/studentmedia/saxifrage by March 9
