Bricolage showcases the best of student literature and art

At first blush, it looks unimpressive. The thin beige volume is decorated with a picturesque scene; small-print words intertwine over the cover. Bricolage is appropriately spelled out at the top, followed by the year and issue number (18). It looks like a student publication. Yet, we all know that looks can be deceiving.

Bricolage (for all those who don't know) is, in fact, a student-run literary and arts journal. The staff is made up of UW undergraduate volunteers who handle everything from editing to publicity. Published every spring, Bricolage showcases a variety of short fiction, poetry, plays, essays and artwork from UW students, staff and alumni. Submissions are accepted in the fall to be considered for the following spring's publication.

The 2001 Bricolage showcases 41 handpicked entries. The contributing authors are guaranteed to please. The editor's note assures the reader that "each composition included in this year's journal is too essential to be removed from the collage." Indeed, each of the contributions aims to strike the mind in different ways. The satirical "Playing to Three," written by Carrie Nutt [also an Intermission writer], uses the format of a one-act play to show the darker side of life for a pair of witty aristocrats. Photographed by Greg Hostetler, "Queen Anne's Lace" captures nature's many facets. Karen Rosenberg's "Holding My Breath" outlines the fantasy world that children often live in, and how adults sometimes use that world to escape. "Writing," by Angela M. Hammontree, is poetry at its best. Her words (almost literally) drip off the page. Bricolage takes student writing to another level.

Although I would hesitate to compare Bricolage to The Best American Short Stories or the like, it is clear that the UW nurtures many great artisans, both of words and pictures. Bricolage gives members of the student body an opportunity to showcase their work in a serious publication designed for that very purpose. That in itself makes the journal impressive. Support your fellow students: give it a read.

To receive a copy of Bricolage, visit with or send $5 along with a written request to Bricolage, University of Washington, English Undergraduate Advising, Padelford Hall, Box 354330, Seattle, WA 98195-4330

For more information on submission (or anything else) Bricolage staff can be reached through e-mail, brico@u.washington.edu, or on their Web site, students.washington.edu/brico/