As the semester closes and the cool weather starts to settle in, it becomes time to observe another classic Clemson tradition: the release event for The Chronicle.
At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, The Chronicle, Clemson’s art and literary magazine, will be kicking off their semesterly release event to showcase their magazine.
At this event, the organization also announces the theme for the season. The theme is usually visible both in the magazine itself, via the cover and organization, as well as in the release event, through the décor and activities. While this year’s theme hasn’t been announced yet, Maille Gray, a sophomore sociology major who is the Social Media and Promotions Director, describes it as “vibrant and exciting.”
The magazine includes a variety of media, from traditional poetry and prose, to paintings, photographs, digital art, sculptures and even music. The staff of The Chronicle works hard to show such a wide variety through either direct inclusion, photos or QR codes. Hannah Skinner, a senior biological sciences major who is the Literary Editor, is most excited for the sculpture pieces they were able to include this year.
The release event isn’t just a simple 15-minute announcement of the theme and passing out of magazines; it’s a two-hour celebration of the arts. There is usually an open mic where people share music or poetry as well as crafts and, this year, caricatures. Kelly Evans, a junior psychology major and Managing Editor for The Chronicle, is excited to be making jewelry at the release event.
This edition is extra special, as Skinner points out.“We still released magazines during the pandemic, but it didn’t quite feel the same. This edition almost feels like the start of coming back together and emerging from a not so great year.”
This sentiment seems to be echoed by others on staff, such as Gray, who said “this is one of our stronger magazines that we have made in the past couple of semesters,” in reference to the difficulties of student engagement during the past few semesters during COVID-19.
What makes these release events so special isn’t just the fun events or getting to be among the first to see the newest edition of the magazine (though that is a wonderful experience in and of itself). It’s the clear passion that the students have for The Chronicle, even from when they first join.
Skinner remembers how she first got involved in the magazine. “I joined the Chronicle on a whim after getting a free hug from a previous member at Tiger Prowl. Apparently the marketing strategy worked because I’ve been here ever since (shout out to Colby).”
This passion in recruitment rolls over into every part of the magazine and the organization as a whole, as Skinner also says “It’s truly the only organization I’ve 100% felt at home at. I know I can be myself and the community that is involved with the chronicle is amazing.” Evans echoes this, saying that The Chronicle “really feels like a second family.”