Volume 5 (2021)

Editor's Note

It is with great excitement and honor that I present the 2020-2021 edition of Brushing Art & Literary Journal. As the academic year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on how far we have come in just 12 months’ time. As much as we have had to tread through murky waters and say goodbye, this year has also been filled with growth and new beginnings. We found new ways to live our dreams and pursue our passions in spite of adversity. Thus, this sentiment dovetails perfectly with the theme for this year’s journal: “Out of Darkness.”

As you make your way through the journal, I encourage you to take the time to read the personal statements that accompany each story, poem, and work of art. Some are more traditional biographies, while others read more like memoirs. Regardless, this is a special opportunity to engage in a conversation with some of the creative minds of our Rollins community. Without them, Brushing would not exist. My hope for our audience is that you can find something in this journal that you can connect with. Perhaps it will inspire you to produce something original of your own. Brushing is committed to diverse creators and content, and we would love to hear your story.

Before I send you off, I have to thank our dedicated staff of Readers and Editors, who put in a tremendous amount of work to finely curate and polish the pieces included in this year’s publication. Thank you to my assistant designer, Tracy, for your beautiful work and for bringing the visual theme of this year's edition to life. Also, I want to thank Rachel Walton for helping me navigate our new digital journal management platform and setting a precedent for future journals to come. Lastly, thank you to Greg Golden and Victoria Brown for your expertise, guidance, and commitment to the success of Brushing.

All the best,

Siobhan Cooney, Editor-in-Chief