Whitefish Review launches 'Taking Flight' issue with live streaming event

The Whitefish Review literary magazine will launch its 26th issue at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, with a live presentation streamed on Facebook from Whitefish (facebook.com/whitefishreview).

Melissa Kwasny and M.L. Smoker, co-poets laureate of Montana, will read from selections of their work. Douglas Chadwick will also read from his new book, "Four Fifths a Grizzly" (Patagonia Books, 2021).

“The confluence of art, literature, and science are vital to our journal’s mission as we explore the landscapes of the human condition, the complex issues of our planet and people, and our connection to nature,” said founding editor Brian Schott. “We are excited to launch our new issue with two poets and a scientific storyteller.”

As Montana co-poets laureate and women from marginalized communities, Kwasny and Smoker aim to celebrate poetry as an art that fosters connection, relationships and bridge building. Chadwick is a wildlife biologist who has produced 14 popular books and hundreds of magazine stories for National Geographic.

Live, in-person events have always been a hallmark of Whitefish Review, but the editorial team decided that with Covid cases spiking it was necessary to limit a large gathering.

“Taking Flight” gives voice to how the arts can help us find a path forward that includes restoration, healing, and hope. Nearly 50 artists and writers share their vision for a brighter world across 200 pages, including a 16-page color art and photography section, as well as an interview with Kwasny and Smoker.

The issue includes the winner of the “Montana Prize for Fiction” selected by Rick Bass. Jack Clinton was awarded the $1,000 prize for his short story, “From Far Away.”

Huey Lewis and Jimmy Kimmel helped pick the winners of the inaugural “Montana Prize for Humor” in fiction and nonfiction categories. Mike Branch was the nonfiction winner, with his tale “Tonya, I Love You” and Robert Morgan Fisher won for fiction with his story, “Hitler’s Typewriter.” Both writers received $500 prizes.

“In these continued times of unexpected challenges, literature and art are critical guideposts about where we are as a society,” said Schott. “While these are serious times for the future of our planet, some lightness helps as we grapple with all the heaviness.”

The cover of issue No. 26 features work by international photographer Rob Woodcox.

Copies of Whitefish Review will be available in local and national bookstores and for order online at www.whitefishreview.org. Whitefish Review is currently accepting submissions for its 27th issue, “Vortex” to be published in winter. The submission period ends on Sept. 30.