TAKE TWO. ArtFly is now accepting artist submissions for their second zine, the first zine published is pictured here. (Photo via Facebook)

ArtFly, the Eau Claire-based arts-focused organization, is on a mission to help artists show their work locally. Started in 2017 by Kelsey Wenberg, ArtFly continues to create and share opportunities, including pop-up art exhibits, mural paintings, artist talks, and most recently, publishing free zines. 

The first issue of ArtFly Zine was released in February. “It began as an extra incentive for artists who participated in ArtFly exhibitions at Racy D’Lenes Coffee Lounge,” Wenberg said. “Artists were encouraged to submit original artwork of their choosing, in any medium, and a short bio.” 

Wenberg curated the submissions, selected quotes, and assembled the layout. Local artist Gabbie Henn designed the background imagery for each page. 

ArtFly Zine is a full-color publication, printed locally by Johnson Litho Graphics on Galloway Street, and was a quick success once released. “Issue I was a huge hit, and I had many artists reach out asking how they could get involved,” Wenberg said. 

Submissions for Issue II are open through Oct. 31, and any artist in the Chippewa Valley is invited to submit their work. There’s no cost to submit artwork or to participate in any ArtFly project. Submission forms are available at artflygallery.com, where you can also view Issue I digitally. 

ArtFly is accepting high-quality jpegs of up to three original artworks in any medium. Due to its growing popularity, there will be 700 copies of Issue II printed (200 more than Issue I). It will be available to peruse or pick up for free at several local businesses including Racy D’Lenes, Brent Douglas Flowers, Passion Board Shop, and more. A full list is yet to come, but it will be posted on the ArtFly website after the zine is released this November. 

“It’s a cool thing to gift a friend, an excellent souvenir for visitors, or maybe you cut out pictures to decorate your planner,” Wenberg said. “It’s a small way artists can share their work, and I hope you find your new favorite artist in here.”

For more information, check out ArtFly’s Instagram (@artflygallery).