According to the journal’s faculty advisor, Jeannie Evans-Boniecki, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, “​At first glance, it is difficult not to be impressed by the spectacular art submissions we had this year. I have been trying to create a more natural balance between the graphic submissions, poems and short stories. We’ve always had lovely art-work, but last year was the first year we printed in color which probably has made this venue more enticing for artists.”  Evans-Boniecki noted, “the title of the magazine now reflects the inclusion of both art and literature; it is now called the Journal of Art and Literature.”

Fresh Ink, NVCC’s art and literature journal, publishes the selected literary and artistic works of students and community members. It is an annual publication with a review board of NVCC faculty, alumni and students. The magazine publishes a call for literary contributions of poems, short stories and art to be submitted for board review prior to each annual edition. The award-winning journal, guided by Jeannie Evans-Boniecki, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, and Faculty Advisor, has been recognized ​not only for its outstanding student poetry ​but for its overall quality by the Community College Humanities Association (CCHA).

Publishing the journal this spring was definitely challenged by the coronavirus quarantine. Evans-Boniecki described the process.

“NVCC student, Madeeha Sheikh designed the cover this year using Heather Ruszkowski’s Cat in a Fish Pond.  She was the impetus behind my attempting COVID 19 issue, despite the editing and proofing challenges in a virtual environment. This year, I felt I was pretty much alone to figure this out on my couch.  The work on this was done mostly between 10 pm and 4 am after my classes, and those of my 14-year-old, all of which were online. Sometimes there was so much screen time, I couldn't even read the type. The process was lonely, and at times frustrating; I wasn't sure I would find a way to surmount the obstacles that arose, but friends and co-workers offered quick, but important how-to assistance that helped me to move ahead.

My take-away is that I didn't think I would have been able to create this journal at home with my resources and ability. Thanks to the help and encouragement from Madeeha Sheihk, Vismel Marquez and support from NVCC’s Dean of Academic Affairs, Lisa Dresdner, Ph.D.  and Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, B.L. Baker, coupled with inspiration from some incredible submissions of art and literature and a great editorial team, we have the 2020 Fresh Ink Covid-19 edition. It is noteworthy that the example set by Steve Parlato, Professor of English and faculty advisor to the College’s monthly newspaper, The Tamarack gave me encouragement. 

There will always be a reason, an excuse, to not achieve our goals...to not do what the world requires of us. I had to do this for the artists and writers who had their work accepted this year, to bring them some joy, some normalcy. It was my responsibility, so I did my best to respond. 

 Amazingly enough, with the help of this year's wonderful editorial staff and a few key players, it's done! “

Special thanks to the staff and editorial review board of Fresh Ink:

Editor-in-Chief /Faculty Advisor

Jeannie Evans-Boniecki, Ph. D,

Editorial Review Board

Joseph Adomavicia, Alyssa Katz- NVCC ALUMNI

Faculty Advisors

J. Greg Harding, Wade Tarzia, Sandra Newton, Emeritus; Joe A. Sainz, Emeritus;

NVCC Students

Kristen Marcano, Yelizaveta Tolstokoraya

Guest Writer
Jayanne Sindt

Cover Designer

Madeeha Sheikh 

Cover Art

Heather Ruszkowski: Cat in a Fish Bowl (front)

ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak - Pin Oak at Clark U (back)

Fresh Ink, NVCC’s Journal of Art and Literature may be viewed on the College website.

www.nv.edu/freshink