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Permafrost 46: Taste, Touch, Write

Permafrost Issue 46: A Sensory Exploration of Art, Literature, and Experience

Issue 46.0 of Permafrost, the farthest north literary journal for writing and the arts, is now available for purchase. This specially curated edition explores the "sensory" aspects of art and literature, inviting readers to engage deeply with the senses, highlighting work that evokes sight, sound, touch, taste, and even smell in vivid, imaginative ways.

Founded in 1977, Permafrost has become an enduring pillar of the literary community. Nearly fifty years later, it continues to be a vital publication in the Alaskan literary landscape. Managed and edited entirely by UAF English Department graduate students, the journal offers invaluable, hands-on experience in literary publishing.

According to Manuel Melendez, the current editor-in-chief, “Being a part of Permafrost for all three years of my graduate studies has shown me how valuable we are as a literary magazine, serving as a potent reminder to the Lower 48 that there is vibrant literary work being done here and that there is a group of people committed to the creative world here in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is work that should not go unnoticed and that, in an ideal world, would come with compensation for all the graduate students who make each issue happen alongside their other responsibilities.”

And Permafrost certainly demands significant dedication. As Jaclyn Bergamino, faculty advisor for the journal, explained, “Permafrost Magazine is nearly fifty years old and is internationally known as a top-tier literary magazine. We received submissions from over a thousand writers for this issue (and hundreds more for our Book Prize!) from every state in the US and over twenty different countries. The competition to be in Permafrost is intense, and our students worked hard to create a cohesive collection with the very best writing."

Reflecting further on the experience, Melendez added, “It was an absolute pleasure to amass this experience in publishing my own literary magazine, and to call it my work is something that instills nothing but pride and joy, but it absolutely should be an integrated part of the MFA program and not just volunteer work."

Issue 46 explores how the human experience is shaped by sensory perception, captured through poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. This thematic engagement invites readers to not only see and hear, but to taste, feel, and fully connect with the works.

In addition to the vibrant selection of poetry, prose, and visual art, the issue features an exclusive interview with celebrated writer Dorothy Chan, conducted by Melendez. Their conversation dives into Chan’s creative process, her relationship with sensory imagery, and the broader intersections between life and art. The full interview can be found on the Permafrost website.

Looking ahead, leadership transitions will see Ayden Harris step into the role of editor-in-chief this summer, with Jamie Simpher taking over as managing editor.

As Bergamino noted, �ʱ�������ڰ��Dz���’s impact extends beyond the pages of each issue. “We are very lucky to have such a long-standing, prestigious institution at UAF that allows graduate students to get real-world, hands-on experience in publishing. It's a big draw for prospective graduate students and puts UAF on the literary map,” she said. “The experience of being editor-in-chief of the journal when I was a graduate student left such an impression on me that I and several other Permafrost editors went on to create our own literary magazine. It’s such a joy to be able to contribute to �ʱ�������ڰ��Dz���’s legacy and be involved in a whole new way as the faculty advisor.”

Copies of Permafrost Issue 46, along with back issues, can be purchased through the . Ten pieces from the print edition are also available to preview online.

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the UAF Department of English, providing students with real-world opportunities to hone their skills outside the classroom. Graduate students lead the production of Permafrost, managing everything from editorial decisions to final publication, while undergraduates have the chance to build their skills through Ice Box, UAF’s undergraduate literary journal. These programs offer students vital experience in writing, editing, publishing, and collaboration—preparing them for careers in the literary arts and beyond.