Local magazine NorthWord released its 22nd issue, Anomaly, virtually this week.
Partnering with Arts Council Wood Buffalo, the guest editor for the magazine is ACWB Engagement Coordinator, Hanna Fridhed.
The virtual ceremony also featured a video by Program Manager, Luay Eljamal, revealing the cover of the book.
Fridhed said NorthWord is a gem and something residents should be proud of having in the community.
“The NorthWord team and Luay [Eljamal] 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.”
The artist behind the cover is the visual artist and former resident, Allison Dakin.
The event featured an ‘open mic’ portion allowing poets and writers to share portions of their works from Issue #22.
NorthWord President Dawn Booth also thanked Eljamal for assisting in the launch of the book to a larger audience.
“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.”
Booth called the launch 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.”
NorthWord is available free-of-charge from the Points North Gallery and Mitchell’s Café.
Florence Weber, owner of Points North Gallery, will be the guest editor for the next issue of the magazine.
When asked about the theme of “Solstice” for the issue, Weber said she found solstice in Fort McMurray “mesmerizing and magical”.
Artists and writers wishing to submit their work may visit the NorthWord website.
NorthWord is also on social media on Facebook and on Twitter at @NorthWordYMM.
