Sydney Peacock — Contributor
Kat Schoberle, the art editor of Folio’s literary magazine, describes the Folio community as “open and accepting” and “a judgement free space for all people to share.”
After its first initial open mic session during Southern’s “Week of Welcome,” Folio’s second event of the year on Sept. 12 was packed full–the room overflowing with that same open-minded and accepting community.
The event began with the introduction of the night’s two featured artists, Andrew Gentile reading his short story “Stuck In Between,” and Teree Perkins reading her two poems “How do I Help the Man on the Street?” and “When I Walk.”
After reading her pieces, Perkins said it was nerveracking at first but she enjoyed it and encourages everyone to try it once.
“I kinda had to calm myself down, but you’re just sharing your art basically, it’s not that big of a deal,” said Perkins.
Anyone is welcome to sit-in on the event, however, sharing work is strongly encouraged.
“Everybody feels the exact same way you do,” said Folio Editor-in-Chief Natalie Rogers, “so you are going to be welcomed with open arms by a bunch of strangers.”
She said diversity is the key to help this organization continue flourishing. Rogers described the event as “People being able to share in a free open space, no judgment, to share personal creative work with us and just being able to create that environment.”
During a short intermission, which occurred after the featured readings, raffle tickets were handed out along with a signup sheet for the official open mic portion of the night.
Everyone engaged one another in conversation, old and new comers alike. The welcoming environment Folio’s community creates really came to light. Continuing throughout the night, Folio hosted hands-on activities in addition to the open mic reading, with this past Thursday’s being collages.
Shoberle said Folio will continue to have hands-on activities “to keep things more dynamic.”
Shoberle said the importance of undergrad recognition within the program is key to its success.
“We have a really good amount of diverse creative writers in this program which we want to showcase them, especially the undergrads,” said Shoberle.
Although Folio’s events are currently more writing focused, the club is looking to add a wider variety of art. The club welcomes poetry, fiction, creative non- fiction, traditional art such as sculptures and paintings and is looking to incorporate film as well.
For all those looking to showcase their work, Folio’s featured readings is an environment in which to do so. The group is dedicated to the arts and the openness that comes with it.
“Here’s a whole room waiting to listen to you,” said English secondary and special education major Katie Doyle, a sophomore.
Photo Credit: Jacob Waring
