Guide to "Ellipsis : literature and art"

The Ellipsis : literature and art is an annual literary journal of Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah. The publication consists of a variety of submitted writing selections including essays, short stories and poetry; as well as artistic reproductions of various mediums (i.e., photography, charcoal, pastels, and mixed media). As a recognized student organization on campus the Ellipsis constitution states, "the purpose of the organization shall be to: (1) produce two literary magazines per year, consisting of accepted submissions from anyone except current Ellipsis staff members, and (2), introduce students and staff members to the process of publishing through involvement in producing Ellipsis." Experience in publishing is essential to the experience of the Ellipsis. The first issues of the magazines included work primarily produced and created by students on campus; however, the Ellipsis now welcomes submissions from any source.

Though the specific details of its creation in 1965 are unavailable, Ellipsis has become a prominent part of the campus community. Since 1970, Ellipsis has managed to publish at least one edition each year and has consistently held activities and events including poetry readings, writing workshops and poetry contests. Many of contest winners are awarded with the publication of their work in the next magazine. Contests are often judges by important individuals to the literary community.

Beginning in 1987, the previous faculty advisor Dr. Stephen Baar left the magazine and Professor Scott Cairns began overseeing the publication. That year the magazine began to allow submissions from individuals around the world, though several entries remained dedicated to individuals associated with the Westminster community. The decision to change the format is described in a quote from Dr. Cairns, "…we did it that first year, as I recall, soliciting outside work to, initially, accompany and lend credence to the handful of student work that was also included." Though the submission of literature has somewhat shifted away from students, faculty and alumni, the artwork has remained the primary product of those on Westminster's campus. Early artwork consisted of cartoons, sketches, and caricatures drawn by members of the production staff. Later, the implementation of photography, ceramics and sculpture, and digital reproduction in color, has enhanced the artistic diversity within the magazine, and incorporates the work of individuals from all areas on campus.

The production staff is composed of an Executive Board, consisting of an Editor, Business Manager, and Prose and Poetry Editors, in addition to a Faculty Advisor. The publication is funded by the Associated Students of Westminster College (ASWC) and by grants from the Utah Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. The magazine's staff members are some of the most consistently active at the College, due to the magazine's designation as an extracurricular club as well as the Ellipsis class –- a course offered for credit by the Westminster College Office of Communications.

The Ellipsis website provides further information on submissions and current contacts.

The collection consists of issues of the literary journal entitled Ellipsis, published in Salt Lake City, Utah by Westminster College students. The journal was first published in 1965, and has released annual or semi-annual issues each year since then.

Early issues in the 1960s-1970s were simple entitled Ellipsis; some issues were entitled Westminster College Ellipsis. The 1984 issue was subtitled "the Creative Arts Magazine". Begining in 1987, the subtitle "Literature and Art" began appearing, although not consistently through the ensuing years.

Numbering: Issues of the journal are usually dated by year, and some by season (Spring or Fall) as well. Some issues carry a volume number; others do not.

Gaps in the collection: Records suggest the first issue of the Ellipsis was published in 1965; however, a copy of this issue is wanting in the Archives. Also wanting is the 1968 issue. These gaps may be due to periods of inactivity or lost files, however, there is no evidence to confirm these possibilities.

Ellipsis ... literature & art (ISSN 1536-404X) is a member of the Council of Literary Magazines and Small Presses.

Restrictions on Access:

Open to public research.

Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Twenty-four hours advance notice is encouraged.

Restrictions on Use:

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material must be obtained from the director of the Giovale Library.

Preferred Citation:

Ellipsis : literature and art, 1965-2014, ACC-039, Giovale Library Archives, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically according to the date of their and/or volume and issue number.

Acquisition Information:

Dr. Stephen Baar supplied multiple issues from his own collection in order to be copied to fill gaps the collection.

Processing Note:

Processed by T.C. Wharton, and later revised by Alana Dela Cruz in September 2004.

Creator:

Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1902-1983)

Westminster College of Salt Lake City

Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1998- )

Language:

Collection materials are in English.

Quantity:

1.0 linear foot

Language of the Finding Aid:

English.

Author of the Finding Aid:

Finding aid written by Alana Dela Cruz in September 2004; revised and expanded June 2014 by Sarah Shaw.

EAD Creation Date:

2012 July 26 by Sarah Shaw.

Standard:

Describing Archives : A Content Standard (DACS)

Subarea:

Related Material:

Related collection in Giovale Library Archives:

• Concours, 1972-1973 (ACC-083C)

Corporate Names:

Associated Students of Westminster College
Associated Students of Westminster College of Salt Lake City
National Endowment for the Arts
Utah Arts Council
Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1902-1983)--Periodicals
Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1902-1983)--Students
Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1902-1983). Ellipsis (student organization)
Westminster College of Salt Lake City--Periodicals
Westminster College of Salt Lake City--Students
Westminster College of Salt Lake City. Ellipsis (student organization)
Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1998- )--Periodicals
Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1998- )--Students
Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1998- ). Ellipsis (student organization)

Subject Terms:

Arts--Periodicals
American periodicals--Utah--Salt Lake City
College student newspapers and periodicals--Utah--Salt Lake City
Literature--Periodicals
Poetry--Periodicals

Form or Genre Terms:

Journals (periodicals)
Literature (writings)
Poetry
Visual arts

Personal Names:

Baar, Stephen
Cairns, Scott

Geographical Names:

Salt Lake City (Utah)