The Detroit Metro Times released its 2023 Fiction Issue featuring work by 20 literary and visual artists from the Detroit area. The contributing artists come from various disciplines including poetry, fiction, sculpture, mixed-media, digital media, and painting. This is the first issue to feature a playwright.
Since 2020, Metro Times and Kresge Arts in Detroit have collaborated to spotlight Detroit artists in the publication. This year’s contributors include Kresge Artist Fellows, Gilda Award recipients, and the 2023 Kresge Eminent Artist:
- Melba Joyce Boyd (2023 Kresge Eminent Artist)
- Shawntai Brown (2020 Kresge Artist Fellow)
- Esperanza M. Cintrón
- Jazmine Cooper
- Kristen Gallerneaux (2019 Kresge Artist Fellow)
- Carole Harris (2015 Kresge Artist Fellow)
- Solomon Johnson (2021 Kresge Artist Fellow)
- Miranda Kyle
- Kylie Lockwood
- Tariq Luthun (2021 Kresge Artist Fellow)
- Morgan Mann Willis
- Rochelle Marrett (2021 Gilda Award)
- Kikko Paradela (2019 Kresge Artist Fellow)
- Mieyoshi Ragernoir
- Vanessa Reynolds (Venusloc)
- Katelyn Rivas
- Yasmine Roukiaya
- Manal Shoukair
- Sterling Toles (2016 Kresge Artist Fellow)
- Chris Turner
With artist honoraria provided by Kresge Arts in Detroit and wide publication from Metro Times, the Fiction Issue annually brings Metro Detroit quality and accessible artistic content.
For the second year, Nandi Comer (2019 Kresge Artist Fellow) led as editor of the Fiction Issue. Casey Rocheteau (2021 Kresge Artist Fellow) served as deputy editor. Solomon Johnson (2021 Kresge Artist Fellow) created the issue’s cover art.
“This issue will be my last time serving as Editor in Chief,” said Comer. “While ending my tenure is a sad moment I am grateful for the opportunity to engage deeply with Detroit area artists and provide a space to showcase their work. I am proud of every single word we have published.”
Drew Philp was the Fiction Issue’s first editor in 2020. It has become customary for the guest editor to serve in the role for two years. Once their tenure ends, the position transitions to a fellow artist.
Kresge Arts in Detroit will celebrate the release of the Fiction Issue at 27th Letter Books on Friday, May 19 from 6:30–8:00 PM. The gathering will feature contributing artists reading their work. This event is free and open to those interested in celebrating and supporting Detroit artists.
