Visual Art Writing photography
New Zines From EC PUNX, ArtFly, and Eau Claire Analog
resurgence of independent zines brings new wave of storytelling to downtown Eau Claire
“Inside are the untold stories of the hustle and bustle of the silly and thriving art scene in Eau Claire.” This message represents the spirit of newly-released zine EC PUNX, platforming alternative regional voices covering the underground music and arts scene.
Simon Butler, founder and author behind EC PUNX, said the publication engages with a fusion of music, comedy, and mixed-media artists.
The zine's first two issues – released in February and March, respectively – feature reviews and satirical pieces on the alternative punk music scene, and spotlights local and emerging musical talents and artists in the Eau Claire area.
“This zine really represents a celebration of my friends that are doing (music, comedy, or art) and an opportunity for people in the community to read this and think, ‘hey, something I'm making could be seen by like-minded people and be represented accordingly,’ ” Butler said.
Issue two, published in March of this year, spotlights a show on February 14 composed of Link, ValleyKil, and Evernoir — live at The Plus (208 S Barstow St.) Additional interviews with EmmK and ValleyKill complement the show recap.
“We’re killing the boringness,” EmmK shares with Butler in an EC PUNX interview. “There are not a lot of female-led bands — I just hope between me and everyone, we can pave the way.”
Local illustrator Ruby Sonnek's artwork blends seamlessly with advertising efforts in the zine, featuring a relatable Doc Martens boot alongside the caption, "Now I can be punk too." Readers can enjoy a mix of artist submissions, with a blend of digital illustrations and analog collage.
EC PUNX will become a year-long project — with monthly zine releases — to give local artists greater exposure. Issue three, coming in April, will continue to emphasize local music news and recommendations in print.
“You can only do good by going to local shows. You can only do good by supporting local these days,” Butler said. The second issue of EC PUNX remains available for free at Abraxas Wax (320 Graham Ave., suite 102), SHIFT Cyclery and Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave.), and Racy D'Lenes Coffee Lounge (404 Riverside Ave.) in Eau Claire. Contact EC PUNX online to get a copy of the first two editions of the zine.
The first page of ArtFly, in the hands of readers around town, introduces the zine with the phrase, “We hope you find your new favorite artists here.”
The organization’s third annual publication, curated here in Eau Claire, once again connects locals with print media and provides a platform for multidisciplinary artists to share their work.
The first issue of the ArtFly zine came out in February 2023. In its early days, the zine highlighted artists who had worked in the recurring ArtFly exhibitions, acting as a visual record of the artists and artwork on display.
The publication — released annually in February — is free for artists to apply to and submit their work. Following the success of the first release, submissions for the second and third issues were open to the general public.
Kelsey Wenberg, creator of ArtFly and its zine, received nearly 100 artwork submissions for issue three. She explained the selection process involves compiling all artist statements and portfolios; finding connections between the submissions. She considers color, composition — emotive feelings of each piece of art — and how these elements relate to the other artists' work.
“Nothing is better than viewing art in person,” Wenberg said. “It’s pretty neat to have this small, traveling art exhibition you can hold in your hands and share with friends. It’s a unique combination of great art and artists, and it changes every year.”
The latest issue showcases a diverse range of artistic mediums. Featured artists include Mika Skye, Hannah Rae, and Kal Norton, who specialize in mixed media collage. While April Aken, Hedi Schreiner, and Adam Stiglich contribute works in ink, gouache, and oil painting.
With over 20 artists featured in issue three, Wenberg noted the excitement shared by artists, as each year brings new talent to the platform.
“Every artist has something extremely valid to offer,” Wenberg said. “I want to put artwork in groupings where no one piece overpowers another. It’s like putting a puzzle together.”
ArtFly zines are available for free at Brent Douglas Flowers (610 S Barstow St.), The Beyond (218 N Dewey St.), El Camino Skate Shop (310 Water St.), and Racy D’Lenes (404 Riverside Ave) in downtown Eau Claire.
Issue three will soon be available to view online at www.artflygallery.com, along with issues one and two.
Eau Claire Analog's third zine emerges as a striking counterpoint to the digital realm and shines a spotlight on the burgeoning community of film photographers within the Chippewa Valley.
Casey Utke, Eau Claire Analog curator and a photographer featured in this year’s zine, said over 500 total photographs were submitted as entries to this year's zine.
"Since (issue three) was a revitalization of Eau Claire Analog, I wanted all kinds of photos from those who are from or are connected to the area," Utke said.
Previously curated by a rotating cast of film photographers and administrators of the Eau Claire Analog group, the zine's first two editions were released in 2018 and 2019.
Reflecting on the past two Eau Claire Analog zines, Utke said this third edition focuses less on a theme, rather honoring the vast community of film photographers here in the Chippewa Valley.
Fast forward to 2025, issue three became available to the public at Eau Claire Analog’s recent artist reception on Thursday, March 20. The film photography group worked in tandem with SHIFT Cyclery and Coffee Bar’s (615 Graham Ave.) spring gallery to showcase 20 of the 55 images within the zine.
The newest issue features familiar Eau Claire scenes, including Alex Nash's depiction of the softly glowing Eau Claire River walking bridge and Tom Wile's focus point on the watchful eyes adorning the exterior of Mabel's (401 S Barstow St.) antique store in downtown Eau Claire.
Locations found in Eau Claire Analog's third zine aren't confined to the Chippewa Valley. The allure of film photography transcends borders, and Sebastian Setla's sequence whisks viewers away on a visual journey to Japan.
Through Setla's lens, the zine offers glimpses of a world beyond our local point of view, showcasing the universal language of photography and its ability to capture stories from every corner of the globe.
The response to this year's issue has been positive so far, Utke said. This being his first attempt at curating a small publication, Utke welcomes feedback from community members on how the issues can evolve in the future.
"I definitely appreciate (people's feedback) since this was my first go-around of doing something like this," Utke said. "The idea of doing particular themes in the future is definitely an option I am considering."
The third issue of Eau Claire Analog’s zine is available for purchase online through mixam.com, retailing for $10 each. For more information and updates related to the analog photography group, follow @ecanalog online through Instagram.
