Salem’s Literary Magazine, otherwise known as Maelstrom, has been printing a wide variety of student artwork since the opening of our school. Sponsors Ray Obispo and Victoria Macoul work with a team of students each year to plan, compile, and print a magazine of student and staff’s best work. They also hold two exclusive Open Mics each year to raise funds for the magazine.

“Whether you are a performer for open mic, a designer, a writer, an artist, a thinker, or just curious, Maelstrom will welcome you with open arms,” said sponsor, Victoria Macoul.

The Maelstrom staff spend most of the year scouting for artwork, poetry, and more for their annual magazine. 

“We start each year by establishing a staff of awesome and dedicated people who want to help bring the vision of the magazine to life,” said Macoul.

For the 2022-2023 school year, senior VPAA visual artist Marlee Riddle, is the proud editor.

“I love it! It can get a little crazy at times but it’s so much fun to be able to put an entire magazine together that’s dedicated to the arts,” said Riddle. “The role of the editor means a lot to me also because being an editor of a magazine is a career I want in the future, so getting the opportunity to get that early experience is really awesome.”

Riddle, Obispo, and Macoul have described their Literary Magazine’s creative process as a cooperative environment that uplifts artists by giving them a voice. Their goal is to bring artists together not just in their magazine, but also live in their Open Mics.

“The lasting legacy is Open Mic, which is unique to the school,” said Obispo. “It provides a supportive comfortable artistic space in an intimate environment.”

Open Mic allows students to showcase their poems, songs, comedy, skits, dance, and instrumental acts. Each Open Mic has a theme allowing Maelstrom members to transform the Schola appropriately. According to the Maelstrom Instagram, @maelstrommagazine, the theme for this year’s upcoming fall Open Mic is “… the first club on the moon” titled, The Moon Saloon.

“Open Mic is a can’t miss event – so check us out November 18th, 2022 in the Schola!” said Macoul.

The Maelstrom sponsors and staff believe all artwork is special and should be shared. Whether a student debuts their pieces live or within the pages of the magazine, Maelstrom welcomes every creative artist searching for a voice.