See and Be Zine

According to God (aka Wikipedia), the term zine encompasses "any self-published work of minority interest." Come again?

"Well, there's a lot of debate in the zine community about what a zine really is," says Stevyn Prothero, one of the main organizers of this year's Denver Zine Fest. "Some inksters still only use typewriters for their zines, and they look down on anyone using a computer, while others zines are completely online. Some bookshops consider any zine with a UPC code a sellout, but some others won't even deal with you unless you have one."

In other words, the precise definition of a zine has yet to be, well, precisely defined. But a dictionary entry does not a festival make. "We're not really concerned with all the debate," says Prothero. "We just want anyone who's interested in homemade magazines of any kind to come to the Zine Fest and check it out."

Those new to the zine community are especially encouraged to attend the free event, as are poets and comic artists seeking publishers. Vendors will have zines for sale and trade, and a number of workshops for aspiring inksters will be held throughout the day, including hands-on silk-screening lessons and instructional presentations on bookbinding. The festivities take place today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Andenken Gallery, 2110 Market Street. Contact Prothero at 720-628-0097 or visit www.denverzinefest.com for more information.
Sat., March 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.