Winter 2026 Issue now available online

Milwaukee Avenue Messenger Vol. 2, No. 1: Winter 2026 is now available for readers online. I hope you enjoy it.

Our first issue of 2026 features the work of 20 writers, poets, and artists, 18 of whom are local to Chicago. It’s an eclectic collection, influenced, among other things, by the season, the city, and the events we’ve seen unfolding in our neighborhoods and communities in Chicago, in Minneapolis, and across the country.

I write about it in greater detail in my welcome message for this issue, but I’m filled with gratitude for the 20 artists whose work we feature this winter. These are tough times for the arts, sadly, and the fact that so many artists answered our call for submissions, and shared their excellent work with us, is a sign that the resistance is alive and well on Milwaukee Avenue and beyond. That fills me with hope. And I’m grateful to those artists for that hope.

Our print issue will be on the streets in a week or two. In the meantime, dig in online, read a story or a poem, check out some artwork. Maybe there’s something in there that will inspire you, or comfort you, or help you see the world a little differently. Something to help get you through until the spring is here.

Because we all could use a little hope in the dark days of winter.