In all its black-and-white glory, the first issue of Volume One was made by 10 locals and friends: editors Dale Karls and Nick Meyer; contributing writers Lisa Campbell, Andy Christopherson, Ken Szymanski, and Robb Wadzinski; contributing photographers and artists Dathan Boardman, Matt Edens, and Mary Laventure; and researcher Jenny Wallace.

The opening to the first issue of Volume One, published in March 2002.

All of its articles, photos, illustrations and cover art, and design efforts were brought to life by those 10 individuals who did so in an (unpaid) effort to spotlight an entire community of creatives in Eau Claire – those people, subcultures, and happenings not being reported on otherwise.

"This publication may very well be a one-time exercise in futility for us," the inaugural, March 2002 Volume One issue's opening statement reads. "Depending on what kind of reaction we receive, it might continue. And if it does, we'll certainly be accepting writing contributions and original artwork. So please feel free to drop us a note."

20-something years since that first issue, Volume One looks a lot different, does a wider variety of things – and yet – still shares local voices and artwork. A significant amount of what we share in print and online is thanks to our contributors: locally-rooted people interested in lending their pen to Volume One's pages. In a more tangible 'thanks' to those folks, Volume One hosts The Contriby Awards Gala.

The Contriby's is our take on an awards show. We look back at the past year of work crafted by contributors and ask them to vote on their favorite cover art, articles, photographs, features, and illustrations – all made by other contributors.

This May, we hosted Contriby's again, and welcomed upwards of 70 people to drink some beer and Bubblr, grub out on Toppers, applaud fellow contributors and awardees, and experience the simple joy of camaraderie. For many, it was their first Contriby's event – myself included! – and the first face-to-face interaction we've had in awhile, or maybe ever. Being surrounded by people who give a damn – about art, creating, and the Chippewa Valley – feels good.

While Contriby's is something we only open to Volume One contributors, we did share a small peek into the evening online. As you flip through this issue's pages, you'll find about a dozen total contributed articles, illustrations, and photos – all works by folks with roots in the Chippewa Valley. 

Some of the V1 crew at this year's Contriby's event.

If you're curious how to contribute to Volume One, please feel free to drop us a note (editorial@volumeone.org). We'd love to find a home for your work in our pages.