The 2025-2026 edition of Kaleidoscope Journal of Art and Literature, a Spoon River College student publication, was distributed at the annual Coffee Spoon held at Spoon River College in Canton on April 21.
The Kaleidoscope began in 1983 under the direction of communication professor Bob Gorg and was originally called the Collegiate. At that time it was filled with stories, poetry, essays and public commentary. It soon began including pen and ink sketches and eventually became a yearly publication instead of a semester project as originally planned.
The name was changed to the Kaleidoscope in 1996 and now features short stories, poems, essays, song lyrics, photography, and fine art, but it remains a student-run publication.
The Coffee Spoon was created in 1999 by then SRC employee Paige Edwards who, inspired by Jack Kerouac and the 1960s’ beat generation, envisioned a coffee house/open mic event featuring flavored coffees where students and staff could share a reading or a song. Over the years attendees have performed musical numbers, stand-up comedy routines, monologues, skits, dramatic readings, and more. Both the Kaleidoscope and the Coffee Spoon have stood the test of time.
This year’s winning Kaleidoscope cover was designed by student Carl Moreland. Student editors were Addi Howell, Samantha Sensor, and Calvin Hormann. Faculty advisors are English professors Laura Bandy and Barbara Ashwood.
Visit Kaleidoscope to view both the present and past issues of the Kaleidoscope.