10 Years of Exposition Review at AWP Recap

In a serendipitous alignment, Exposition Review marked its ten-year anniversary at AWP 2025 in Los Angeles, the same conference where we launched our inaugural issue, Vol. I: “IX Lives,” during AWP 2016. Returning to L.A. for this milestone felt like coming full circle, celebrating a decade of our literary community.​

On Thursday, March 27, we hosted our Expo Presents: Celebrate 10 Years of Expo at Truly LA, featuring readings by Expo contributors across our volumes, including Sofia Aguilar, Bree Bailey, Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo, Lisa Eve Cheby, Lynda V.E. Crawford, Kevin M. Flanagan, luna rey hall, Natalie Mislang Mann, Doug Van Gundy, and Lorinda Toledo. Each shared pieces that have shaped our journey, reflecting the diverse voices and stories we’ve been honored to publish. You can find all of them in our Expo 10-Year Celebration program.

Between readings, Expo’s editors brought heart to discussions of all aspects of Expo: our Flash 405 writing contest; Transposition podcast; chapbooks; internships and “Share Your Voice!” WriteGirl, DREAMing Out Loud, and 826 LA mentorship workshops; “opportunity-ship” within Expo’s team; issue design, ALL the genres; our upcoming “Spring” annual issue; and of course, our amazing #ExpoFam! 

Beyond the celebration, Expo’s presence at AWP 2025 extended to panels, workshops, and offsite events, reinforcing our commitment to fostering literary dialogue and community engagement. 

Expo issue covers set the stage at our Expo Presents: Celebrate 10 Years of Expo at Truly LA.

What a treat to hear Bree Bailey read her experimental piece "I Pencil Grieving You into My Planner" from Vol. VIII: "Lines."

“I didn’t know that I wrote fiction, but I did," said Doug Van Gundy about his Flash 405: "Mystery"-winning flash fiction piece, "Hide and Seek."

“Exposition Review nominated me for my first Pushcart Prize,” said Lynda V.E. Crawford before she read her poem "Ballet Is Never Enough" from Vol. VII: "Flux."

Kevin Flanagan read from both his Flash 405 flash fiction "Einherjar" and his hyperliterary experience "Starling" from Vol. V: "Act/Break."

Founding editor and board member Mellinda Hensley toasted to 10 years of Expo Review!

“I am forced to speak the language/of men …” Lisa Eve Cheby read from her nonfiction poetic essay "Perfect Dark" from Vol. VIII: “Lines.”

Lorinda Toledo gives the best answer to “What are you? Where are you from?” in her masterful Flash 405: “Otherworldy” flash nonfiction winner "Chile Season."

“It’s probably one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever written," said Sofía Aguilar of her Vol. VI: "Hunger" poem.

luna rey hall brought some wow with their Vol. V: "Act/Break" poem ".223 Remington."

Luna Rey Hall reads their poem at Exposition Review's 10-Year Anniversary Party

Natalie Mislang Mann read from her Anthony Bourdain-inspired nonfiction "Beware of the Boys" from Vol. VI: “Hunger.”

“Have you ever loved a flag like your mother’s arms?” Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo read her poem "Ghost Interview in the Peach Orchard" from Vol. III: “Orbit.”

Continuing the spirit of connection as the weekend ended, on Saturday, March 29, we co-hosted “Love + Community,” an AWP off-site reading at Bar Franca. This event featured L.A.-based poets, including Sofía Aguilar, Edwin Bodney, CD Eskilson, and Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo, sharing work that resonated with themes of resilience and solidarity. Audience donations supported World Central Kitchen, Octavia’s Bookshelf, and the Tongva Nation Eaton Wildfire Recovery Fund, reflecting our commitment to community engagement.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue to celebrate our tenth anniversary with the tenth season of our Flash 405 writing contest AND the upcoming launch of Vol. X: “Spring,” on June 21, at the Village Well in Culver City, California! We hope to see you there!