NORTHAMPTON — When Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School educators Tracey Burke, Kim Keough and Arleni Sanchez had the idea late last year to start a literary magazine, they budgeted for a 40-page book.
Now, as the first-ever copies of the magazine, titled “The Viking Runestone,” are getting their finishing touches, the book is over 100 pages.
The spring volume is a compilation of poetry, short stories, painting, photography and other art from student and staff contributors. Black-and-white abstract photos, graphite portraits, ink drawings, vibrant watercolors and colorful collages fill the pages.
“There’s such a wealth of talent at this school that hasn’t been highlighted before,” said Burke, an art teacher at the school, sitting at a table in the school’s Oliver Smith Restaurant.
The magazine takes its name from the school mascot, the Viking. Thousands of years ago, Vikings made runestones, or stone engravings. “They were often erected in places where many gathered or passed through: at the foot of bridges, on farms, along roads and water routes,” reads a statement from the organizers, who took the time to assemble a press packet. “Our hope is that the pages of ‘The Viking Runestone’ will become our yearly assembly — our gathering spot of stories and art.”
The cover pictures a watercolor painting of a runestone, created by Sanchez, who also runs the school’s art club. A paintbrush and pencil meet in the middle of the stone. “This zine represents our stories and our art,” Sanchez said.
Burke, Keough and Sanchez solicited submissions through announcements over the loudspeakers and on posters throughout the school.
Noèmi Vega, a 10th-grade student at the school, published a collage of a brightly colored geometric face and a short story, “Until Tomorrow,” in the book.
“I’ve always loved to write,” she said. Keough hosts a before-school writing group for students and helped Vega workshop her story there.
Vega worked on her collage in art class — this academic year, the school added an art program.
“I have been dreaming of the year we have art for students,” Keough said.
Vega said, at the time, she didn’t think she would be able to make a collage, but Burke helped her. “I didn’t think I was capable of doing what I did,” Vega said.
Adarrah Howlett, a ninth grader, published poetry and a graphite drawing of a magical-looking creature in the magazine. She said sometimes she hears stereotypes about kids who attend the vocational school versus a traditional high school. “‘This is where all the not smart people come,’” she said, giving an example.
“I think it would be nice to show them what we’re capable of,” Vega said of the magazine showcasing the school’s artistic talent.
Teachers and other staff contributed writing and visual art to the publication as well.
Madge Evers, an English teacher, makes art pressing mushroom spores into paper; several of her pieces are included in the magazine.
“It seemed like a great opportunity to put it out there so people can know me in a different way,” she said.
Evers said that the magazine is a good way for students and staff to collaborate and work on a project together. “It’s an equalizer,” she said.
The Northampton Education Foundation gave the publication a grant several weeks ago for the magazine’s first volume. The organizers plan to publish “The Viking Runestone” every year, and revenue from advertising sales this year will go to next year’s printing costs. In the future, they hope to encourage students to submit photos of their carpentry and auto body work, too.
As for the magazine’s second volume, students already have designed several possible covers, which are included in the back of the first volume. A schoolwide vote will determine which image will cover next year’s issue.
Organizers said they plan to release the spring volume in mid-May. Copies will be sold for $10 at Broadside Bookshop in downtown Northampton.
Greta Jochem can be rea ched at gjochem@gazettenet.com