Hunter Creative Writing MFA Faculty Reading, with Tom Sleigh, Peter Carey, Nathan Englander, and Kathryn Harrison

From left: Nathan Englander, Kathryn Harrison, Tom Sleigh, Peter Carey. Photos by Jennifer
Jade Yeung

The OTR was at the Hunter Creative Writing MFA program's annual reading on Monday, celebrating the new releases of several writers on the Hunter faculty: Tom Sleigh for his book Army Cats, Nathan Englander for his short story collection What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank, Kathryn Harrison for her novel Enchantments, and Peter Carey for his forthcoming novel The Chemistry of Tears.

Program director Peter Carey and faculty member Kathryn Harrison

Wine and good cheer abounded, as were many anecdotes about cats.

Congratulations to all the writers involved!

Contest Winners and Open Mic Re-Cap

A warm congratulations to the winners of the Spring 2012 contests!
"The Flow" by Jantsa Erdenebayar (art)
"The Black Hole Speaks" by Cailen Jimenez or CJ (poetry)
"Tricks are for Kids" by Esther Ko (fiction)
"Seeing Eye God" by Alanna Wray (poetry runner-up)

Check out their winning pieces in Issue 51. As was mentioned before, anyone who didn't make the finals will still be considered for publication. I also want to thank everyone for submitting this semester. In the short time we're had open submissions, we've received art and writing from 77 students. Without the help of our OTR staff, USG, Media Board, caring professors and the coordination of the art and english department, we'd have a much smaller pool of submissions to edit.

I want to thank everyone who attended and/or performed at the open mic and helped with set up and break down. And a huge thanks to everyone who provided artwork for our pop-up gallery. Also, a shout out of Connie for organizing it. You all rock. Like last semester, we had a FULL HOUSE! I announced the contest winners and gave the present students this pre-prize festive cupcake:

... with a missing dinosaur head. Opps.

It's been awhile since attendees used the theme as a prompt and I'm glad the notion of "deconstructing gender" has struck inspiration (and wardrobe changes) in many. To see more photos from Thursday night, visit our Facebook album. Here are some highlights from the event.

Delicious cupcake catering was provided by the wonderful Megan Marino.

Our perennial Master of Ceremonies, David Tuchman. Visit his Tumblr and Facebook for more of his comedy.

Prose editors Lou G. and Esther Ko performing a scene from To Have and Have Not.

Contest winner CJ performing a powerful piece that was about more than just cat-calling.

Senior prose editor Chris in pink (who changed after the event), performing "Totally like whatever, you know?" by Taylor Mali.

David, our senior poetry editor, performing a comic poem inspired by the Yoruba warrior-god, Ogun.

Our awesome art editor, Connie, reading her poetry along with a piece by Margaret Atwood.

Kent

Jae bringing the stage to the audience (Jae provided a portion of the playlist)!

Belly dance performance by Katie.

Classical Hindu dance performance.

Performance of "Just Friends" by Natalia (sax) and Denzel (trombone).

TH 105 fully occupied.

The Olivetree Review is here to stay.

OPEN MIC NIGHT this Thursday!

A huge warm thank you to everyone who submitted their work for the Spring 2012 OTR Issue! The office received an amazing amount of writing pieces and art from over 70 students this semester! We are most definitely feeling the love. Editors are currently reviewing your pieces and editorial meetings will be held until May 5th! Stay tuned!

Also at the open mic we'll be announcing the winners of the poetry, prose and art contests. So come by and cheer on your friends!

Can't wait to see you all there!

"Does Art Matter?": A Question Uniting the World

Today NYC-Art.org has posted up a question that has had the social networking world in an all-time buzz: "Does Art Matter?". Yes, it may appear to be a simple however this inquisition has always been asked and debated over for years. From the average college student to philophers, scholars and even celebrities, the importance of art has been given numerous of responses regarding its purpose in todays society. Many individuals support it's existance and say that art is not only important but essential. Art, regardless of whatever medium it may be (paint, film, music, photography, etc) allows people of all ages to create an entirely different world in their minds. This technique has been used by the greats which we now idolize and admire. However there are numerous of people who reply that art pushing the boundaries of society and how artists "often get validation of money, social standing, friends, food, sex, jobs, drugs, etc. by sharing their art" causing them to be selfish individuals depleating the system (See Article).

Whether you live in a small town in Quebec or the busy streets of New York City, it is safe to say that art is everywhere. Is it on billboards, magazines and even walking down the street while going to work/ class. As a college student who has heard both sides of the debate, I say that it is absolutely important and it constantly not given the credit that it rightfully deserves. Art in my opinion equals life.

Now, what do you think. Does art matter to you? Or is it unimportant? And why? We wanna hear what you have to say! Get into the convo and post your responses here or you can follow to debate:

Twitter: #DoesArtMatter
Facebook: NYCArts-DoesArtMatter
Site: http://www.nyc-art.org/

Cheap Art Supplies for Students!

Happy Friday Everyone :) !!

Attention all artists, students, everyone: It has been clear to me these past couple of days that a lot of college students are unaware that they could receive art supplies at a very very LOW price just because they are a student. So, here's some info for you! This weekend the student friendly art store Utrech will be selling all Utrecht Studio Oils, Utrecht Artists' Oils - 37ml Tubes, all Utrecht Studio Acrylics, all Utrecht Artists' Acrylics and all Utrecht Fluid Acrylics. Utrecht Lowest Prices... GUARANTEED!

Click on the link below for more info:

Have an awesome weekend!!