Just before sunset on Friday evening, students gathered on the upper level of the Horn Gallery for the first Sunset Press Open Mic of the year. Sunset Press is one of Kenyon’s prominent student-run publishing presses on campus. The organization, established in 2019, is composed of writers and editors dedicated to producing creative work and has consistently printed 2-3 chapbooks a year. The Open Mic events give the chance for new and returning students to read their poetry and prose to an audience, while also allowing people to learn more about Sunset Press. 

The event officially started with the Sunset Press Editors-in-Chief Matthew Toth ’27 and Phoebe MacIntosh ’27 welcoming everyone. The two began by explaining how the open mic would run. “I don’t think I’d ever read my work in front of a crowd before I’d read my work at one of these,” Toth confessed to the audience, expressing the low-stakes nature of the open mic. Toth also noted that, though many had signed up in advance to read their work, there would be enough time for spontaneous volunteers. “We will also have time at the end if anyone feels moved by the spirit in the room,” he encouraged the audience. When describing the aim of the event, Toth remarked: “We just want everybody to share, pour their heart out even.” 

Jupiter Nesky ’28 kicked off the reading, sharing a poem titled “If I ever speak again…” from Tip-Toe, her poetry collection Sunset Press published during the spring 2026 semester. Nesky’s words, “You can be myth. You can be a dreadful myth,” rang out into the quiet of the Horn, captivating the audience in front of her. Although Nesky has been published by the press, everyone from editors to published writers and those who have never been to an open mic before had a chance to read their writing.   

Bookending the planned readings, Paige Fitzpatrick ’30 shared her work, “Abecedarian for My Admissions Officer,” which she wrote the summer before her senior year of high school. “In case anyone doesn’t know, an abecedarian is a piece where every line starts with the next letter of the alphabet,” Fitzpatrick explained, adding, “which you can’t tell because I’m reading it out loud, but it’s a fun little Easter egg.” The witty and creative word choices (such as the poem’s final line telling listeners to plant zinnias on her grave and read her Common Application instead of a eulogy) Fitzpatrick used, paired with the poem’s structure, made it not only a standout but also reminiscent of what many people (every college student in attendance) likely felt during their own application processes. “Here lies Paige Fitzpatrick,” she read, recalling the overwhelming feeling of drowning in high school work. “Killed by AP tests and finals and turning 17.” 

After Fitzpatrick’s poem, the floor opened to people inspired to share their own work. “I know some of you in the crowd might be having something in your notes app to share,” Toth jokingly remarked. After a few people did impromptu readings of their work, the open mic came to an end as the sun disappeared from view. 

Toth closed out the event by announcing that applications for Sunset Press writers and editors are open for the spring publishing cycle. “Sunset Press Open Mics are a space for love, acceptance and light,” Addison Shafley ’28, Sunset Press event coordinator, said to the Collegian. “My favorite memories from our organization always come from our open mics and launch parties. I am so excited to see where this year takes us!”