We especially want to thank our very distinguished judges for taking the time to assist us: Morris Burchette, Michael Chitwood, Lisa Koger, Michael McFee, and Ray Stratton. A special thanks also goes to Carolyn Reynolds, Division Chair for Arts and Sciences, and Bonny Elosser, Director of Students Services, for their moral and financial support. Our steadfast student worker, Joyce Skidmore, provided invaluable clerical assistance in organizing the submissions; we couldn’t have made it without her! Finally, our appreciation goes out to Brendan Hunt, Neka Wilson, and Dr. Sharon Fisher of the Public Relations office for all the technical assistance they provided to make this online publication a reality.

EXPLORATIONS grew out of the tremendous talent and energy here at MECC and the strong existing tradition this college community has in the creative arts of literature, photography, and drawing. In these pages, current and former students display their talents and share their personal lives and creative vision with all of us. We’re grateful for their generousity. We invite you to enjoy our students’ creations, and if you are a MECC student or alumni, we invite you to submit your own work next year!