(Fremont County, WY) – The works of 20 Fremont County teen artists, photographers and writers appear in two new issues of The Batch: Teen Creative Journal.
An issue of The Batch for Southern Fremont County — featuring Lander and Wind River Reservation teen creatives — published last week. The first issue of this edition printed in August 2019.
Lander artist Emilee Sheridan’s oil pastel “Yoda Best” was selected for the cover of Vol. 3 No. 1.
Published artists and writers include Emily Anderson, Jordan Armajo, Clark Bailey, Jessica Baron, Avery Bever, Taylor Green, Elisa Kistemann, Reed McFadden, Lara Robertson, Emilee Sheridan, Bo Tilton and Willow Wells.
The inaugural issue of a second Fremont County edition of the magazine published in February. The works of teen creatives from the Riverton, Shoshoni, Pavillion, and Dubois areas are showcased in The Batch for Northern Fremont County.
Included are pieces from Riverton artists Kateri Cardenas, Aissa Franks, Jackson Hill, Havannah King, Riley Walker and Tristen Willie, as well as works from Shoshoni writer Jaycie Schneider and Shoshoni artist Sadie Wood. Hill’s photograph of Boysen Reservoir titled “Lake Day” graces the cover of the first issue.
“Fremont is an expansive county. It made sense to launch another edition,” explains Chase McFadden, publisher of the journal. “A second edition provides an opportunity for more teens to share their talents with our communities.”
The current issues include statements from the published teens discussing their inspiration, style, creative process and passion. “These narratives foster a deeper connection between the artist and the audience,” McFadden believes.
The journal was founded in Sheridan County in 2017. McFadden approached the executive director of the Homer A. and Mildred S. Scott Foundation — a philanthropic foundation committed to community enrichment — and pitched his vision of sharing the artistic endeavors of local teens with a broader audience in a print magazine. Four issues of The Batch for Sheridan County have since published.
“The goal is to grow opportunities to recognize young creatives. Their talents too often go unnoticed and underappreciated,” McFadden says.
“Celebrating all of our young people and acknowledging their passions — whatever they may be — benefits our communities,” he adds. “Attitudes towards teens at times skew negative, but there is so much that our kids are doing right. They are stakeholders in our communities. It’s important to let them know that we see them and appreciate them for who they are.”
The talents of several Fort Washakie artists were on display in the first issue of The Batch for Southern Fremont County. McFadden hopes that more Wind River Reservation teens submit their work. “Differing backgrounds, experiences, cultures, those factors shape art and spark unique voices,” he says. “Exposure to that diversity is vital.”
Submissions to the journal are accepted at any time. Teen artists, photographers and writers are invited to submit their work via online submission forms found at createwyoming.org.
A key component to continued success and growth of The Batch is financing. “Funding is always a consideration,” says McFadden. “There are so many worthwhile organizations and causes seeking funds. I know that those dollars are precious. Any contribution to this project is greatly appreciated.”
The magazine is made available free-of-charge to the public. “Getting as many eyes as possible on these young people’s work is the objective. Free gets more eyes. It’s more accessible to everyone.”
The Kiwanis Club of Lander recently made a sizeable contribution to the project, awarding funds after McFadden submitted a grant proposal to the organization. “I was invited to present a program to the Kiwanis regarding the magazine, and the project was well-received by members. This group does so much for youth. It’s terrific to partner with them.”
Likewise, the Kiwanis Club of Riverton stepped forward to assist with the publishing of the first issue of The Batch for Northern Fremont County.
Any entity, business or organization interested in sponsorship is encouraged to contact McFadden. Individuals can contribute via Patreon, a secure funding site, by visiting patreon.com/batchwyoming.
“The publication offers a healthy return on investment,” McFadden feels. “It’s a tangible product, and there is certainly an intrinsic reward in knowing that you’re helping to further opportunities for young creatives to share their gifts with our community.”
Copies of The Batch are available at the Lander and Riverton branches of the Fremont County Public Library System, as well as at various businesses and offices in both communities.
If you would like to receive a copy of The Batch: Teen Creative Journal by mail, contact Chase McFadden at [email protected] or (307)751-1002.
The journal can be followed on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @batchwyoming.
