What do great contemporary works of art and literature, an auction, a reading and lasers have in common? Why, the Black Warrior Review, of course!

Black Warrior Review is a literary journal edited and published right here at the University of Alabama.

Since its founding in 1974, Black Warrior Review has published the poetry, fiction, nonfiction and art. It has even published comics of both nationally-acclaimed and up-and-coming authors and artists. BWR is headed up each year by MFA Program Creative Writing graduate students. Assistant editorial positions are filled by all other English graduate students.

Editors plan an auction/party/reading extravaganza to promote and raise money for the journal. Auctions, traditionally held at Little Willie’s, have been designed around a central theme. Past themes have included the Wild West and a 1920’s speakeasy. Costumes are strongly encouraged if not required. The night begins with a silent auction and mingling and moves on to a live auction with four student auctioneers. Customarily, November has been the hosting month for the fund raising endeavor.

The annual auction-slash-party is not just about having some 'literary' fun. It is also an important factor in securing the journal’s livelihood. The BWR staff travels to the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Conference and art festivals around Alabama to promote the journal. The auction is BWR's main source of funding so it can continue to participate in these conferences.

While the proceeds are for a great cause, the auction is also about having a great time.

“[The live auction] is really fun because there's a lot of banter that goes along with it,” said Managing Editor Jenny Gropp Hess.

Audtion items are donated by members of the community, from University professors and staff to local businesses and farms and artists who showcase their work at the Kentuck Festival of the Arts.

According to Gropp Hess, these donated items include but are not limited to: homemade bookshelves, restored typewriters, sushi dinners, website design and home-canned jellies.

“This year we were also able to get donations from small presses and journals around the country. It's really fabulous to see people's generosity in supporting the arts, and to know that people are interested in being active in an artistic community, ” Gropp Hess said.

This year, the event is labeled an “ULTIMATE LASER DECADENCE PARTY + AUCTION” and will be held on Thursday, November 12, at Little Willie’s. The event will include the addition of a reading during the silent auction, which begins at 7pm.

In addition to featured special guest Michael Martone, readers include Marsha McSpadden, Shanti Weiland, and Jessica Fordham Kidd of the Barbed Wire series of instructor readings. The auction will begin at 8:30pm.

And for anyone who is unsure as to what is proper dress for an “ultimate laser decadence party,” the following link will prove helpful:

Ultimate Laser Decadence Party + Auction from Justin Runge on Vimeo.

by Meg Brandl