The Tower art and literary magazine has been publishing works created by University of Minnesota students since 2006 and debuts its 2018 edition Thursday at the Weisman Art Museum. 

This year’s issue is themed “Human Noise.”

Jayme Oberman, a nonfiction editor and managing editor for the magazine, said narrowing down the submissions was no easy task. 

With 630 submissions to review this year, Oberman said there were crucial elements they looked for in each work.

“We want it to be something exciting, we want it to have strong characters, beautiful imagery — it needs to be long-lasting,” she said, “something you won’t forget about.” 

Meg Jenson, a junior studying graphic design, has three pieces in the magazine this year: two collages and a photograph. 

The collages are comprised of National Geographic clips, images from Google and her own graphics, she said. 

“I love that there is an outlet for artists on campus that feels professional,” Jenson said. “Realistically, I feel like students cannot get their work published very easily.” 

Whereas Jenson found her inspiration in discount bookstores and this year’s theme of “Human Noise,” Claire Fallon said she took a different route.

Fallon, a senior studying English, chose to “wing it,” with her poetry, rather than conform to the theme. 

“I never really consult the theme,” she said, claiming that it would influence the direction of her writing.

Fallon has been featured in the magazine three times — each time for her poetry. 

“I had never taken myself seriously as a writer,” she said, before being published in the magazine. 

Fallon first submitted to The Tower her freshman year, but upon being rejected, she decided to take an introductory poetry class. 

She has been featured in The Tower each year since then. “I don’t think I would have pursued an MFA if I hadn’t been published first,” she said of her plans after graduating. 

Co-Editor-in-Chief Marah Walker said this year’s issue is the largest in The Tower’s history, featuring more pieces and pages than any other issue. 

ENGL 3711: Literary Magazine Production Lab, is the course that all editorial staff are currently enrolled in, in addition to The Tower student group.

Freshman poet Lauren Foley, who is featured in this edition, said she plans on taking the course next semester. 

A writer of poetry and fiction, Foley admires the literary magazine and has been looking forward to being a part of it since before her time at the University. 

“The magazine is here so that we can tell stories that need to be told, and should be told,” Oberman said. 

What: The Tower Launch Party

When: Thursday, April 19 at 6 p.m.

Where: Weisman Art Museum

Cost: Free