On the coldest weekend in February, Eastern Edge opened its doors to the community for our first-ever zinefest.
Like many artist-run centres, we sometimes run up against the public perception that a certain degree of fanciness, or a particular arts background, is required to participate in our programs. But over the course of the weekend, we welcomed a steady stream of new faces: artists and community members of all ages who had braved the cold to come spend time with us and engage in joyful, low-stakes creative play.
HOLD FAST Zines brought together local artists, poets, creatives, and community members for two days of free programming and creativity. Half our space was dedicated to a zine market, where zinesters and community partners could share and sell their work. In lieu of any tabling fees, participants were asked to donate a zine to the Eastern Edge art library, and another to a mail exchange, which was sent to Corner Brook.
In the other half of the space, we hosted hands-on zinemaking, demos, live screenprinting, workshops, an open mic, and art socials. Groups of friends or parents and children gathered around tables full of collage supplies, donated by Newfoundland & Labrador Public Libraries. We also set aside a Cozy Corner, where participants could browse through zines from the EE archive.
The following zines were created by Eastern Edge staff for HOLD FAST Zines 2023, and are formatted for print. Enjoy!
About EE Zine: This one-page mini-zine by Ash Hemmings is an endearing introduction to Eastern Edge’s space and our staff.
Quick Tips for Tabling at a Zinefest: This one-page mini-zine by Elijah Martel provides helpful hints for artists new to tabling.
F(ine) Art by EE Staff Colouring Book & Zine: A deeply silly collaborative effort by EE Staff, in which we attempt to recreate famous works of art by drawing them with our non-dominant hands. Can be enjoyed on its own or as a colouring book. Print at 8.5×11″, double-sided, flipping on the short side.
