Since the Atlanta Zine Library was formed back in 2011 by previously profiled Amanda Mills, there’s been buzz about putting on some kind of fest (you may remember the fundraiser at Hodge Podge back in September). This weekend, that buzz becomes a reality, with the first Atlanta Zine Fest happening on June 8th and 9th. We could go on and on about all of the super-cool things that’ll be taking place there—here are a few things we’re most pumped about:
1. The workshops (THE WORKSHOPS): You don’t even know how awesome these workshops are going to be, I can tell. Whether you’ve been a Riot Grrrl since day one or just want to know more about zines, there’ll be workshops on writing, sticker making, new media networking and marketing, button making and more.
2. Vendors galore: Snag some art, zines, music and more from local vendors like Big Blonde Records, Agentfoureyes, Knife!!! and Write Club ATL (you’ll have some extra spendin’ money thanks to #4—read on).
3. Awesome local artists and lectures: Artists like Ashley Anderson and Allen Taylor will be on-hand discussing their crafts, along with a lit panel featuring some of the minds behind Hyde ATL, Vouched ATL and Naked City, plus a DIY culture talk by Beep Beep Gallery’s James McConnell.
4. It’s free: You knew that was coming. $FREE.99. No excuses, people!
5. The chance to be a part of something big: This is the first of hopefully many more-to-come Atlanta Zine Fests. Color us biased, but it’s always exciting to see grassroots, arts-based organizations come together with the community’s support to conceive something that connects, educates, and inspires people to create. We’ll definitely be there. Will you?
The Atlanta Zine Fest comes to the Erikson Clock Building on June 8th and 9th. Check out more info on the Facebook event page.
