Saginaw Justice Library Seeks Artwork for a Community “Zine”

The Saginaw Justice Library is seeking artists of all ages to create artwork for a  community zine, inspired by prompts from the book “Kindred” by Octavia E. Butler. 

Earlier this year, over 60 community members participate in a “Justice Read,” featuring online discussions of Octavia Butler’s 1979 novel in February during Black History Month. “Kindred” is  the story of a contemporary Black woman who time-travels to a plantation prior to the Civil  War. There she meets her ancestors and is forced to negotiate life as a slave. This book explores  issues of race, power and privilege—all ideas that apply to our current times.  

The community zine based on this novel is a digital magazine open to all forms of artwork, and  submissions will be automatically eligible for cash prizes. Artists can view the guidelines for  submission, including prompts from the book, and submit their work on the Justice Library  website, http://www.justicelibrary.org/communityreadart/. All entries must be in digital format  and are due by April 30, 2021. 

Cash prizes will be awarded in May, when the digital zine will be released online. The Saginaw  Justice Library hopes to be able to continue to share selected artwork through local businesses  during summer 2021. 

“This project offers community members a way to reflect on the ideas from the book in creative  ways,” said Megan McAdow, Director of the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum. “We’re  excited to feature the artistic talent in our region.” 

Further questions about submitting artwork or participating in this project can be emailed to  hello@justicelibrary.org.  

This project is supported by The Saginaw Art Museum, The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture  Museum, The Public Libraries of Saginaw, The Ezekiel Project – Saginaw, Leopard Print Books; Gifts & Curiosities, and The SVSU Community Writing Center.