There couldn’t have been a better theme even if it was planned. But, Anomaly, fit NorthWord’s Issue #22 to a tee, as it was launched virtually in partnership with Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) on April 12, 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.
Guest edited by Hanna Fridhed, Engagement Coordinator for the ACWB, the publication featured cover art by Allison Dakin, former local resident and visual artist based in St. Albert. Poets and writers published in the recent issue read their works with an open mic inviting attendees to share as well. ACWB’s Program Manager, Luay Eljamal, created a beautiful video to reveal the magazine’s cover.
“I was thrilled with the virtual launch! The NorthWord team and Luay from Arts Council did a fantastic job of capturing the spirit of the regular NorthWord launch events, and hearing pieces read out loud made it a very special experience. As the guest editor, I have had the privilege of reading original work by writers from Wood Buffalo and beyond, and have been continuously impressed throughout the process. NorthWord is a gem and something we should be proud of having in our community,” shared Hanna Fridhed.
“I was honoured to be featured on the cover by NorthWord. It is exciting that magazines like this exist,” enthused Allison Dakin.
Dawn Booth, President, NorthWord, noted:
“The launch of Issue #22 was the first time we’ve went virtual and it allowed us to extend our reach from outside of the community to our NorthWord audience throughout Canada. I want to say thank you to everyone who came on to share their talent with us and a special thank you to Luay Eljamal of Arts Council Wood Buffalo for managing the technical side of things and for putting together a video for the reveal of our front cover. Because of his contributions, our launch was a virtual success.”
“It was additionally a treasure to hear from Douglas Abel who has been contributing his column “Marginalia” since NorthWord’s inaugural edition, and said ‘NorthWord made him a disciplined and better writer.’ His insight on the publication is a great reminder of why it’s important to have a platform to showcase those who write words,” Booth added.
Theme for the next issue is “Solstice,” picked by guest editor, Florence Weber, owner, Points North Gallery. She chose it as she finds the solstice in Fort McMurray “mesmerizing and magical - and how it changes in the north.”
Original poetry of no more than 50 lines, prose, fiction or non-fiction - 3000 words maximum, and art can be sent to northword@hushmail.com. All names will be removed, and only alignment with theme matters.
NorthWord is available free of charge at Points North Gallery and Mitchell’s Café due to limited locations because of COVID concerns.
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