Artists Invited to Share Works of Gratitude

BATAVIA, NY (09/16/2014)(readMedia)-- Albion, NY- Genesee Community College and the editors of the online literary magazine Oak Orchard Review welcome artists to submit works for the Fall 2014 issue, "Gratitude." Writers, photographers and artists are encouraged to share their interpretations of the theme. Works can be submitted electronically for consideration at http://www.oakorchardreview.com/, click on "how to submit" and follow the uploading instructions. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, September 30, 2014.

"There's a lot of research that shows how profoundly gratitude can impact one's well-being," said Tracy Ford, GCC associate professor of English and Oak Orchard Review's fiction editor. "But it's something that we often don't take time to contemplate unless prodded to do so. We hope to encourage writers and artists to share their interpretations of gratitude, and we look forward to these works helping others reflect on the things for which they are grateful."

Oak Orchard Review seeks to celebrate the very best writers and artists in the Western New York region. Each issue showcases a variety of works including poetry, fiction and nonfiction essays, art or photography. "We seek writers who have a clear sense of voice and use vivid and original imagery, incorporate compelling figurative language and elements, and whose prose is grammatically correct," said poetry editor Karen L. Jones, who also teaches Writing and Composition at GCC's Medina Campus Center.

All writers and editors who choose to submit should follow the required submission guidelines for the category entered, or their entries will not be considered for publication. Works selected for publication are not financially compensated, but those artists and writers who are published are honored with a public reading and online publication. Oak Orchard Review's Fall Reading will take place at the Hoag Library, 134 S. Main St. in Albion on Friday, November 7, 2014 at 7 p.m.

Oak Orchard Review is named for a river which flows through various towns and hamlets of Genesee and Orleans Counties. More than simply a body of water, a river is a thing that sustains, connects and nourishes the land, the body and the spirit. The journal is meant to similarly sustain its artists, authors and readers. Editors seek writers and artists who feel a physical or emotional connection to the Western New York region, and who are compelled to share their poetry, stories, artwork and photography.

"It is our mission to inspire and connect with our readers; to showcase Western New York's most talented and inspiring artists and writers; to promote artistic endeavors in our community and to encourage and recognize emerging artists and writers," editors stated.

For more information contact Jim Simon, associate dean of GCC's Orleans County Campus Centers and Oak Orchard Review's public relations coordinator, at (585) 798-1688, x4191, or via email, jsimon@genesee.edu.

# # #