Garland Court Review Showcases Student Art

By Hector Morales
Staff Writer

Founded in 1962, The Harold Washington College literary journal, The Garland Court Review, published in the Spring Semester of each year by the English and Art departments of HWC, showcases literary and visual art from members of the HWC community including students, faculty, and staff.

The GCR was formerly a magazine, but it has changed its focus, according to Coordinator of Prose Pieces Jean-Laurent Deher-Lesaint.

“As of two years ago, The Garland Court Review is now a literary journal which compiles fiction, non-fiction, poetry, visual arts, combined art forms, spoken word every spring semester in print and [in an] online issue,” said Deher-Lesaint.

Pieces of art from all genres are selected by committees of faculty and student volunteers, according to Deher-Lesaint. Committee members vote on pieces that are to be published. “We strive to publish pieces the majority of members agree on,” said Deher-Lesaint.

One student volunteer, Maria Cortez, in the selection committee for literary pieces, explains how the selection process works.

“All members of the committee review all of the literary pieces, have a discussion, and pick the literary pieces where there is a majority vote to select the particular piece,” said Cortez.

Pieces of art are chosen based on whether “they offer a look into the human experience,” said Deher-Lesaint.

Cortez, an English major who is graduating in May of 2022, volunteered because it would be a “good opportunity to get into publishing,” she said. “It has been a fulfilling experience, and I am proud of the work the committee has done,” added Cortez.

A release party for the 2022 issue is being planned for the afternoon of Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 2 p.m., at HWC on the 11th floor, according to Deher-Lesaint. The release party will be streamed live on Zoom and in person. More information will be forthcoming on the release party and publication date.