Monday, April 20, 2009

Issue 4 Theme!

20 April, 2009

Good morning, messy readers. Okay- depending on the time you read this email, it may not even be morning, but you have to feel it... we are on the verge of a true awakening here.

The staff at messy have been on a wild ride these past few months. We released our first ever film guide in February and had a blast as a media sponsor at the 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival. A few weeks after that we churned out another issue (our third!) titled The Happiest Lie. Then, Vanessa and Genna were interviewed by John Panza of Heights Arts Radio. (Check it out here!) After all of this, we took a step back, looked around, scratched our heads and came together to bring you your next challenge...

It's a bit of a play on words, but it's fitting for the times we're living in. So, ladies and germs, without further adieu, we present to you the theme for issue 4 of messy magazine:

Emerge and See.

From sunny (hey- it was sunny a few days ago!) Cleveland, Ohio, we encourage you, wherever you are, to arise from your wintry slumbers, dust off your spring outlook, and see things through a lens of renewal. Take a look around you. We're living in historic times, kids.

This is OUR emergency.

The idea of Emerge and See came about not only because we are on the cusp of a seasonal change, but also because we are lucky to be alive during a time where we are the agents of change. Now, more than ever, there is a force sweeping the earth. If you don't have a sense of urgency, you better hope online and order one for next day delivery. (Shipping and handling charges may apply).

The papers (um, or online news sources?) are screaming gloom, but we say "NO WAY." We are the strong, the creative, the hopeful. What better place than here? What better time than now?

We hope you all saw the feature Artist v. Blight from WSJ.com, starring our lovely city of Cleveland and the people that are taking chances here and in cities like Detroit (hi Detroit pals!) If you didn't see the article, then we invite you to slowly remove yourself from that rock under which you live. All over the country, people are snapping out of it, focusing on what's real and what's important. Now it's your turn. Don't delay. We won't allow it.

We want you to wrap your head around Emerge and See. It's not only about what's going on around you, but it can also be about something that's going on inside you. Tell us where you are right now, how you are shedding your winter skin and what you're looking forward to in the coming months. Have you just come out of a negative situation, shed a weight that has been holding you back? Have you finally developed your own unique identity after years of searching? Has something magical happened to provide you the courage to try something new? or did you find that urge to just stop bitching and start doing?

Give us your view from this critical point in history. It's taking place out in the world as well as in your living room. How will you encourage others to see things differently? You have the power to do something wonderful. So stop complaining. Turn off the TV, step away from facebook, and actually do it.

When you are done, send it to messy magazine and we'll share it with the world.*

We invite you to Emerge and See with us. The time really IS now. Yep. That sticky thing that held up the rear view mirror in your lifemobile just fell off and all you can see is the road ahead...

*Submitting work to messy magazine
(it's super easy, we swear):

We look forward to receiving your submissions for issue 4. If you don't know the drill, or would like more information about what types of work we are looking for, a quick refresher can be found on our website.

Go to messymagazine.org and click on 'submit' for details.

Notes on the theme:
So, every few months, we sit around at Gypsy or lie awake at night racking our brains to come up with a theme for you to create around. We struggle sometimes because we don't want to limit anyone, yet we know that what makes messy magazine fresh and new and what keeps us constantly evolving is the fact that we have the power to drive the content of an entire issue simply by setting a guideline with our themes. In case you didn't know, this is a hot one, kids. We are excited about Emerge and See. Not everything you submit has to be related to the theme, but we strongly encourage it. If this one doesn't get you thinking, then we don't know what will.

DEADLINE for submissions:
Write it in your calendar. Tack a note up on your bulletin board. Tell your mom or cousin or aunt that somehow remembers everyone's birthday, anniversary and kindergarten graduation date to call you with a reminder. Submissions for issue 4 of messy magazine: Emerge and See are due no later than May 4, 2009. If you have any questions, email info@messymagazine.org.

Happenings:
This list includes a few events that interest us and that might interest you. Check messymagazine.org for updates. This is by no means an exhaustive list... it's just highly likely you will see one of your friendly messy magazine staffers at one or all of these events. Be sure to say hello (we are kind of nice)!


Ok, ok, that's all from us.
We hope you really get into the theme for issue 4, Emerge and See. We can't wait to see what you submit! Thanks for reading, sending us your work and supporting us. Remember to sign up to receive emails about events, themes and also to receive messy magazine, directly in your inbox! (WOW!) Sign up, sign up, sign up and don't forget to tell your friends!

You can also add us on MySpace, join our group on facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Ready, Set, Create!

from,
4 people who might never get the song 'How Soon is Now?' out of their heads
aka your friends at messy magazine,
Vanessa. Michael. Genna. Lauren.
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