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Art


Art Edited by Zach Long timeout.com/chicago/art @z_long Draw it yourself


The annual Chicago Zine Fest puts DIY publications by underground (and underrepresented) artists in the spotlight. By Zach Long


WHEN HE’S NOT working as an arts educator at a public school on the West Side, Bridgeport artist Alex Nall creates zines—self-published books and magazines—filled with autobiographical comics about his day job. He’s been drawing cartoons since he was a kid and became obsessed with underground comics and zines after discovering Harvey Pekar’s series American Splendor, which inspired Nall’s latest book, Teaching Comics: Volume One. “I had no interest in superhero stuff,” says Nall. “I wanted to write about walking down the street and what my thoughts were.” The desire to make art that


is personal, often esoteric and decidedly outside of the


Time Out Chicago March 8–June 6, 2017


mainstream is the driving force behind Chicago Zine Fest, an annual gathering of hundreds of zine creators and fans who keep copy shops in business. Nall is one of five co-organizers who plan the two-day event, which celebrates the freedom and inclusivity of the self- published medium; attendees find everything from magazines that cover DIY musicians to comics about painfully awkward sexual experiences. Since it was founded in 2010, Zine Fest has invited local


zinesters and creators from across the country to speak about their work and sell their wares. Nall is quick to admit that the weekend has become “a big slumber party” for participants. This year, the fest kicks off on May 5 with a series of panels and readings, before more than 250 artists and writers gather on May 6, turning Plumbers Union Hall (1340 W Washington Blvd) into a bazaar filled with photocopied drawings and stapled booklets.


Handmade publications aren’t


the only attraction at Zine Fest: Eventgoers can make their own pins with the help of Logan Square’s Busy Beaver Button Co., take in discussions with zine creators and listen to a youth reading of poems and stories by K–12 students. Zine Fest sets itself apart from giant comics and book conventions by being an event where everyone can participate. “Last year one of our workshops was led by a second-grade girl; [it was called] How to Draw Your Funny Animal,” says Nall. Noting that self-published


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books and comics offer an independent outlet for underrepresented groups, such as the LGBT community and persons of color, Nall says, “Now more than ever, we need a place for disenfranchised voices to speak out and tell their stories.” That acceptance also extends to Zine Fest attendees. “If this event can be your introduction to the community,” he says, “then you’ve struck gold.” à Chicago Zine Fest is May 5 and 6 at Plumbers Union Hall (chicagozinefest .org). Free.


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