2012 Chicago Zine Fest!

By Maggie Hellwig in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 23, 2012 4:40PM

The 2012 Chicago Zine Fest is fast approaching. March 9-10 is the weekend for small press, self-published, and independent publishers to show us their stuff. Quimby's Bookstore, Silver Tongue, 826CHI, Renegade Handmade, and DIYCHI are sponsoring this year's festival of readings, exhibitions, and workshops.

Small press and self-publishing have become increasingly popular amongst authors of all kinds. Let's face it: getting published by a large company isn't exactly the easiest feat to achieve. Perhaps it's rightfully so that writers and artists take matters into their own hands without the scary middle man. While large chains like Border's and Barnes & Noble have been disappearing rapidly, the independent publishers and their creative authors have done a great service to our local bookstores who are very proud to carry their unique items on their shelves.

The purpose of the Zine Fest is to promote this sense of local community and to lend the microphone to small presses and writers who deserve their share of attention. Here's a rundown of the schedule this year.

Friday, March 9

Gender, Race, and Sexuality: A Discussion with Women in Self-Publishing.
Starring a kickass round up of ladies: Cristy Road, Mimi Nguyen, and Anne Elizabeth Moore.
1-3 p.m., Conway Center at Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave.

Zines: The Next Generation, a youth reading, and the Exhibitor Reading.
6-9pm, 826CHI, 1331 N Milwaukee Ave.

2012 Spring Zine Olympics.
9:30 p.m.-12 a.m., Quimby’s Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave.

Saturday, March 10

Zine Exhibition.
Starring: zines and books for purchase or trade, DIY Film Festival, workshops, and lectures.
11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Conway Center at Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave.

The fest is run entirely by volunteers, so there is always help needed. To volunteer, see details on the Quimby's site or the Zine Fest site.