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Dragonfly Arts Magazine
Only one thing is more frightening
than speaking your truth,
And that is not speaking.
-Audre Lorde
It is not by chance that our arts magazine is entitled Dragonfly. The dragonfly has been a centuries old symbol for change, a special type of transformation, one wrought from crisis but ending in self-realization and a deeper understanding of the meaning of life. This experience is often reflected in the lives of the people we serve at HopeWorks and you’ll hear it in some of the voices on the pages to follow. This transformation is rarely an easy one and as humans, we sometimes feel so very limited in how to bare the intensity of our thoughts and feelings. This struggle to create something beautiful and inspirational from the dark places is somehow mystical and pedestrian at the same time – something that is hard to fathom, yet a common daily occurrence.
Congratulations to each of our contributing artists who were brave enough to articulate their own deep emotions and unique perspectives on life.
Self-expression through art gives wind to the wings of the dragonfly and we thank these artists who were generous enough to give us a window into their transformational journeys.
Vanita Leatherwood, M.A., TLA | Executive Director
Submissions to Dragonfly 2021 open soon!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Dragonfly arts magazine is a publication of HopeWorks of Howard County Maryland. Themes for your submitted work (both visual and literary) should focus on reflections about relationships, gender, love, advocacy, transformative justice, trauma, hope, intersectionality, self-care, or healing. Writers/Artists do not have to be survivors.
2022 Submission Season: Opens October 1, 2021. Closes March 31, 2022. Submitting early in the submission season is encouraged. Acceptance notifications will be e-mailed by June 2022.
Poetry and Prose Submissions
Prose/Fiction: should be double spaced and not exceed 5,000 words.
Poetry: submissions are limited to 3 poems.
Please specify the genre of the work, your name and pseudonym (if any), the word count (prose only), complete contact information and bio (75-word maximum) written in the third person.
Art and Photography Submissions
You may submit a portfolio of one to four images. Please specify the genre of the work, your name and pseudonym (if any), complete contact information, bio (75-word maximum) written in the third person.
All Submissions
Click the button below to go to the online submission form. You will be notified if a submission will be published.
Contributors will receive two copies of the magazine. Financial compensation is not available. Look for upcoming details about Dragonfly The Poetry Reading that will be held in June 2021. The event features the work of Dragonfly published poets and visual artists as well as an open mic.