Open Call:
A new art and poetry journal, ILL Anthology is seeking submissions for Vol.4 Shedding to release in March 2026.
Deadline:
The deadline to submit is February 13th at 11:59 PST
Who can apply?
Artists of all mediums are welcome to submit work on the theme of "Shedding". Shedding explores the power of transformation through release; what it means to outgrow old skins, stories, and circumstances. This theme centers on renewal of spirit, healing, and the courage it takes to let go of what no longer serves us. In this volume we are inviting work that reflects transition, reclamation, and the quiet strength found in becoming something new. Shedding is honoring endings as sacred thresholds to new beginnings.
Submission Guidelines:
Submissions not on the proposed themes will not be considered for this volume. Please be aware that any poetry or writings with specific formatting will need to be re-sized for a 5.5" X8.5" page. Our staff does not have the capacity to run the final design individually to each artist. Thank you for understanding.
*******Please note that final typefaces and overall look are at the digression of our design team.**********
Please submit hi-res versions of artwork and photography for print purposes. If your image(s) are not hi-res, this may disqualify your submission. Please reach out to hello@curiouspublishing.org for instruction if you have further questions. Please share access to any drive links to hello@curiouspublishing.org.
Cosecha explores themes centered around growth, gathering, and gratitude. It’s about what it means to reap what we sow in our communities, relationships, land, and selves. We’re inviting work that reflects abundance, reciprocity, transformation, and the balance between giving and receiving.
The ILL Anthology is a carefully curated collection of poems, photography, artwork and voices honoring the life and lasting contributions of Ignacio Lopez. This anthology brings together voices that reflect his legacy in art, culture, and activism, offering a diverse range of poetic expressions that honor his profound impact on the community.
Through the ILL Anthology, the legacy of Ignacio Lopez is passed on, continuing to inspire and ignite new perspectives in the world of poetry and beyond.
About the Editors
Ceasar Avelar is a blue-collar poet that represents the voice of the working class.
He is of Salvadorian and Honduran descent, and is the 2nd post Laureate of Pomona. He is the founder of Obsidian Tongues Open Mic and writing circle, and Author of God Of The Air hose And Other Blue Collar Poems, published by El Martillo Press.
Peter Lechuga is a Chicano wordsmith, teacher, musician, emcee, and karaoke king born and raised in Southern California. As director of the non-profit, LionLike Creative Education, he teaches future generations the power of poetry, while creating a safe space for them to express themselves, find their own voice, and become published authors. His poetry has been shared on college campuses and has been published in the Chaffey Review, Inlandia Institute, and Spoiled Minds amongst other publications. His debut poetry collection, Myth Opportunities, published by Daxson Publishing is available now. When not reading, writing, or killing the mic, he can be found hiking in the mountains, spitting freestyles.
Lopez Urban Farm is a collaborative project in partnership with the Pomona Unified School District. Its mission is to provide a thriving green space for education, community engagement, and food access—all offered freely to the Pomona community. This initiative honors the legacy of Ignacio Lopez, a trailblazing advocate for desegregation and publisher of El Espectador (1933–1960).
Curious Publishing is Non-Profit 501(c)3 Organization, and is 100% artist owned and operated since 2017. We tell the stories of artists of all practices who reside throughout San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and the High Desert Communities through one of a kind, small-run artbooks designed and printed in Southern California. We aim to celebrate the rich diaspora of Inland Empire, Womxn, BIPOC and Queer Artists first and foremost.
Artists, participatory activists, and farmers Stephen Yorba and Bianca Ustrell help cultivate this space, weaving creativity, activism, and sustainability into its foundation. Together, they foster a shared vision of growth, connection, and empowerment.
