Whitefish Review grounded in place for 30 issues

Crossroads is a concept the editors of Whitefish Review settled on for their 30th issue because it is a more dynamic version of the “dangerous ideas” they received in submissions this year. 

“As we started to work on the publication, I thought of [the theme] as more of a meeting place,” said Ian Griffiths, art director and graphic designer for the literary journal. 

“A crossroads is a destination or a departure, and it seemed to fit with where we are as a country – we can go separate ways or come together,” he said.  

On the book’s cover, an illustration by Montana artist Monte Dolack of mountain lion P-22 soars over a 10-lane freeway on a wildlife crossing.  

In an introduction, co-founder Brian Schott wrote that Crossroads is “a dangerous idea... because it takes vulnerability. 

“At the center of the idea is love. This love will require action, rebellion, resistance and a healthy dose of common sense.” 

SEVENTEEN years ago, the founders had the discussion of whether Whitefish Review was the right title. Perhaps something more general, like Montana Review, would be appropriate.  

The answer was, and is, 30 issues later, yes to Whitefish.  

“We’re grounded in place. We’re grounded in this community. The Whitefish community’s support has been stellar. We never looked back,” Schott said.  

Last week, the group of about 20 editors gathered for a regular meeting. Their office, which they share with Land to Hand MT, has a black and white checkered floor and industrial metal fridge doors on the walls.  It’s a fitting space for the journal, which has come to be a standout in mountain-based arts and culture. 

Rick Bass, editor at large, said he thought of the beginning “as not long ago.” 

“It’s a place-based venture,” he said. “It’s a beautiful doom adventure. 

“There’s no other group that’s so volunteer driven, passionate at heart, and with meaningful narratives. If I had to admire most about the publication is the themes you select. 

“They’re either what we most need to be thinking about right now, or what we most need to be thinking about very soon,” Bass said.  

One principle the group has stayed true to is aiming to publish high-caliber authors and artists amongst those who have never been published.  

“We are as proud of those literary rock stars as we are local high school kids,” Schott said.  

The team works together to make selections using a platform called Submittable, which helps them to review, vote and discuss 500-plus submissions for each issue.  

“The Vultures” and “Death by Schizophrenia” were two selections this go-round that hit Tara Kramer, a nonfiction editor based in Livingston, “anew” each time she read them over the last few months. 

Each read, “our world was in a different place,” Kramer said. “Now, the pieces feel even stronger.” 

In recent issues, “the layout has been unshackled,” said Griffiths. “We have full color focus, so we’re focusing in on more depth with artists.”  

AS WITH many nonprofits in the Flathead Valley, the group credited donors and the Whitefish Community Foundation as essential to the journal's success.  

“With the National Endowment for the Arts under attack, we will need more individuals to help keep the arts alive,” Schott said.  

Whitefish Review was also one of 17 arts organizations across Montana that lost operational grant support through House Bill 9 due to miscommunication about requirements to testify to receive funding.  

The group encouraged those who are curious to come see an event or to subscribe.  

The free launch party of Crossroads is Friday, May 9 at 101 Central Ave. in Whitefish, with music and cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and readings at 8 p.m.  

Guests include Cassidy Randall, author of “Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali,” essayist Mark Schoenfeld, and Lee Stockdale, winner of the Montana Prize for Humor.

READ MORE about the Crossroads launch here. 

After the release party, the next Whitefish Review event will be on June 6 with Whitefish author Laura Munson on her new book, “The Wild Why.” 

Whitefish Review is accepting submissions for, “Seeds” issue 31, through June 1. The 31st issue is a special partnership highlighting Land to Hand and the backpack assistance program.