Celebrating Creativity and Community: Sand Canyon Review Preview Party Unites Artists, Writers, and Supporters
Publish Date: May 15, 2025
On Thursday, May 15, the Roadrunner Café at Crafton Hills College was transformed into a vibrant celebration of artistic expression and literary achievement during the Sand Canyon Review Preview Party. Organized by the students of Introductory Literary Magazine Production: The Sand Canyon Review and their faculty advisor, Professor Lauren Bond, the event welcomed a lively crowd of students, faculty, administrators, featured contributors, and community members for a joyful gathering centered around the latest edition of Crafton’s beloved literary magazine.
The main purpose of the Preview Party was to celebrate the publication of The Sand Canyon Review and honor the creative talents of everyone featured in its pages. For the first time in years, a broad community of supporters came together in person to recognize the work that makes this student-produced magazine such a rich artistic platform.
As guests entered the café, they were greeted with bookmarks and stickers designed by a student in the class and invited to explore an array of interactive and engaging displays. Previous editions of the magazine were available for browsing, while coloring pages featuring published artwork allowed guests to connect with the magazine’s visuals in a hands-on way. Attendees enjoyed free pizza, lasagna, cookies, and chips as they mingled with featured contributors, shared stories, and took in a slideshow of selected artwork from the 2025 issue.
The event honored several standout contributors. Photographer Alexis Scullin displayed her haunting series on grief titled "The Light in the Room Changed", along with other works and her favorite cameras. The event also spotlighted the Jack L. Hill Lifelong Learning Literacy Center from the Norman F. Feldheym Library in San Bernardino. This center, dedicated to adult education and literacy, was represented by both Staff and Learners who contributed poetry and short stories to this year’s issue. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the impact creative writing can have on lifelong learning and community engagement.
Musical talent was also featured, with Crafton students Gianna Lopez and Sunny Gunn showcasing original instrumental compositions accessible through QR codes printed in the magazine. Writers Katy Garcia and Alexia Clark, this year’s featured authors, were on hand to talk with attendees about their writing process and inspirations, enriching the experience for fellow creatives and fans alike.
A memorable moment came during the closing remarks, when one of the students shared a heartfelt thank-you with the crowd. He reflected on the joy of being part of the class and expressed appreciation for the strong turnout and enthusiastic participation.
The Preview Party left a lasting impression on many attendees, who were amazed by the number of featured artists and writers who attended in person. The sense of connection—between classmates, contributors, and community members—was palpable throughout the event.
The students behind The Sand Canyon Review shared how meaningful it was to see the magazine come to life through this gathering. "We are touched that so many people attended and engaged with each other,” said one of the student editors. “The whole point of The Sand Canyon Review is to bring together creative minds to foster growth, support, and community—and we’re thrilled that this event accomplished exactly that.”
The Sand Canyon Review Preview Party not only marked the launch of a new magazine edition but also rekindled the spirit of creative community at Crafton Hills College—proving that art and literature remain powerful forces for connection and inspiration.
