The pages of wrapping paper tucked inside the Dec. 3 issue of The Contributor were created as part of collaboration between vendors who sell The Contributor newspaper and Unzine, a project started by Stagger Press, The Contributor and the Nashville Street Poetry Project.
Local artist and educator Paul Collins began working with The Contributor newspaper earlier this year, and that collaboration between Nashville’s street paper and his DIY publishing venture, Stagger Press. Self-described anti-artist and Contributor volunteer Melissa Willis joined in on the effort as well. For Willis, it was just another way to connect and build community with folks who often get overlooked.
“Everybody has the ability to make art,” says Willis. “It’s limitless. Anyone can create a zine or collaborate on something meaningful — this project gives that creativity a place to go.”
Willis is also a licensed mortician in Nashville, a parent and a recovering addict of 13 years who spends time advocating for harm reduction and building relationships. Willis is hoping Unzine can continue to grow and invite people who may not realize how open art is to them to create.
Throughout November, Gallery 56 displayed UNZINE, a pop-up exhibition curated by Collins. The show runs through Dec. 13. Unzine hosted a number of events in the space throughout the month as well, including an opening, several artist and poet profile events and a children’s zine-making session. Instead of inviting folks in to just look, they wanted to be intentional about inviting them in to be part of the process.
Vendors of The Contributor have worked alongside local artists and writers to create low-cost, lo-fi highly personal comic-style zines they sell independently. Volunteers like Willis, Benji Anderson and Joe Nolan, longtime Contributor freelancer who also lead the Nashville Street Poetry Project, as well as artists Fynalle Fre Organically Gifted, Howard P., newly married Contributor vendors Katie and Matthew, formerly homeless artists and poet Lisa A., longtime Contributor vendor and writer Norma B., Jeffrey, advocate Sarah Champion, artists Shawna B., Wendell J. and musician, artists and framemaker Phillip Willis, Director of the Contributor Will Connelly and Zero Mannino, artist who also works at The Contributor, have all contributed to the project, among others.
The collaboration was as much about the zines as it was bringing people together to create in communal spaces.
“What I love about this community is how people who seem so different come together,” Willis says. “It’s what I love about collage, sometimes two pieces that shouldn’t fit end up fitting beautifully. Everyone [at the wrapping paper making event] was talking, laughing, supporting each other. It was just really beautiful to see.”
The wrapping paper extended another opportunity for folks to see the work and see people in a different light, as artists and creators and human beings.
“A lot of people experiencing homelessness go unseen,” Willis says. “We want people to see their work — and to feel welcome collaborating with them. This project brings people together who might never cross paths otherwise.”
Willis also points out that projects like this allow people to begin creating as they begin to get their basic needs met, regardless of which stage of that they are in.
“Once people’s basic needs are met, their creativity can finally come alive,” Willis says. “Everybody has that potential. Sometimes starts with housing, support and opportunities like The Contributor, but it’s a space where everyone is welcome to create.”