Other Voices Journal of Literary and Visual Arts closes the book ...

After 24 years, Edmonton's only literary journal shuts down

By Aspen Gainer/EDMONTON EXAMINER

Posted 8 hours ago

Earlier this year, Other Voices Journal of Literary and Visual Arts (OV) announced to the public that it will be closing the book on the publishing industry.

To commemorate this sad occasion, OV staff are hosting a final farewell on May 27 at The New Wunderbar Hofbrauhaus (8120 101 Street). The farewell, which is part goodbye and part fundraiser, will allow readers and contributors to come and mingle for a final time, laying to rest Edmonton's only literary journal after 24 years of publishing. Bobbi Beatty, managing editor, says she hopes people will see the farewell as more of a wake rather than a somber farewell.

?We?re throwing a party to reminisce and to celebrate the iconic institution [OV] has been for the last 24 years,? says Beatty.

Other Voices was a place where women, writers in particular ... could question, analyze, philosophize, envision, and generally push boundaries. ?Bobbi Beatty, managing editor

?It?s been a subtle, integral force for change over the years, and it?s given many talented people a voice they may not have had otherwise.?

OV was started as a chapbook of women's literature in the 1980s by Mary Woodbury, a successful Edmonton writer. The journal soon became a group effort and the group formed the Other Voices Publishing Society which published two journal issues per year.

Countless successful Edmontonian and Canadian female (and later male) writers have published writing in OV. Names like Shirley Serviss, Jannie Edwards, Monica Hughes, Margaret MacPherson, Barb Howard, Kath McLean, Gary Garrison, Marc Colbourne and many more have contributed to OV.

?Other Voices was a place where women, writers in particular ... could question, analyze, philosophize, envision, and generally push boundaries, gently nudging society in the direction of all-encompassing acceptance and equality,? says Beatty.

Don't miss your last chance to be a part of this historical piece of Edmonton's literary history. The farewell event promises to be a great party, as Beatty said.

The final gala takes place at The New Wunderbar Hofbrauhaus (8120 101 Street) from 4 p.m. to 11p.m. on Sunday, May 27. Everyone is welcome to celebrate the good times in true OV style. The party will include music, comedy, food and more. Back issues, OV swag and art from local artists will also be on sale.

For more information, email Ryan Willis at ryann_willis@hotmail.com or Bobbi Beatty at managingeditor@othervoices.ca. You can also visit othervoices.ca.

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