Arts and SciencesMay 04, 2022

UAFS Releases 2022 Edition of Azahares Spanish Literary Magazine

Written By: Samantha Contreras

Azahares, the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith’s award-winning Spanish-language literary and arts magazine, released its 2022 edition this April, with contributors hailing from the UAFS campus to New York, Los Angeles to Chicago and even featuring artists from across the ocean in Madrid.

“Azahares is a collection of poetry that transports us into new perspectives, prose that makes us laugh or cry, fine art that lifts us, and works that illustrate the best of what it means to be human.” said Dr. Mary Sobhani, executive editor and founder of the magazine, which is in its 14th year of production. Sobhani serves as the World Languages Department Head and an associate professor at UAFS.

The azahar blossom, for which the publication is named, represents new life and purity. A meaningful part of the iconic traditions of the Spanish-speaking world, azahares embody a freshness of spirit and a distinct perspective the editorial board aims to capture anew each year in the university publication.  Although Azahares predominantly highlights student work, submissions are open to all community members.

“I see the art published herein, whether written or visual, as a means of uplifting the world of being,” Sobhani said. “Our contributors take something unknown or invisible and give it form and shape and substance through their poetry, prose, painting and digital photography.  Doing so is a gift, and we're delighted share these gifts with a greater audience."

 

University student and alumni contributors include:

•              Braden Cole, a junior Social Work major from Pocola, Oklahoma;

•              Samantha Duque, senior Media Communication major from Greenwood;

•              Amanda Hubbard, a UAFS alumna from Fayetteville;

•              Gloria Mendez, a sophomore Spanish major from Van Buren;

•              and Nikita Wemmerus, a senior Psychology major from Howe, Oklahoma.

 

In addition to the student contributors, Graphic Design students in the Print and Publication Design course directed the magazine’s layout and cover design. Samara Camyn and Katie Redhage served as lead designers, and Micaiah Barnett and Ashley Grizzle served on the design team under associate professor Katie Harper, supervising designer. Samara Camyn illustrated the cover.

The editorial board is comprised of Dr. Sobhani, Dr. Lynda McClellan, Dr. Rosario Nolasco-Schultheiss, Dr. Francesco Tarelli, Madeline Martinez, and Gray Langston. 

Azahares is supported in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.