Red Ink Magazine, the nation's only student-run American Indian publication, will release its latest volume during a premiere party being held on Saturday.
The magazine's latest edition, "Volume 14.2 & 15.1: The Gender Issue." One side of the issue is written from the male perspective while the other is from the female perspective and includes poetry, prose, books reviews and academic writing. The current issue will also include a disc containing music by native artists.
Most of the contributors identify as American Indian and most are from Arizona, said Sherrie Stewart, a graduate student in the UA's American Indian studies program who also serves on the magazine's editorial board. The youngest contributor for this issue is 6-years-old.
The premiere party will be held at The University of Arizona Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen Street, Tucson on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and food will be served.
The event is meant to celebrate the diversity and strength of native cultures while also honoring the contributors of Red Ink's latest double issue.
The evening also will highlight the connections between aesthetics, poetics and academic scholarship.
The event will highlight a set of readings by various Native poets published in the new issue of Red Ink. A live DJ will play contemporary music as well as original works by Native artists which are highlighted in issue, Stewart said.
Also, an open canvas to encourage creative expression by the audience will be set up at the party, which will also include a live art raffle and a silent auction with artwork that has been donated by Red Ink artists and supporters. All proceeds from the Raffle and Auction go directly towards publishing the magazine's next issue.
The invited artists, poets, speakers, and leaders will share their work, their words, and their personal visions for the future of tribal nations.
During the event, Panther Creek Drum group, comprised of native singers from various tribes from across the United States, will perform drum songs.
"We tried to make it a unique type of event," Stewart said.
Sherrie Stewart
Red Ink Magazine