FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
Contact:
Nancy Cook
Rain Magazine
503-338-2335
ncook@clatsopcc.edu
 
RAIN MAGAZINE Releases 2006 Edition: Spirit of Discovery
 
ASTORIA, OR--May 16, 2006
 
Five times,
I can say, “I heard the rain.” 
The rest of the time I paid no attention.
 
— From “Rain” by Jane Means, featured in RAIN Magazine
 
Astorians have no trouble ignoring the rain. It seems a natural part of human nature to disregard that which is ever-present. However, last Friday May 5th, the rain would not be overlooked; RAIN Magazine, that is.
 
May 5th marked the release of the latest issue of RAIN Magazine, Clatsop Community College’s 30-year-old annual literary and visual arts journal. Copies are available free of charge at the RAIN offices in Fertig Hall F3 on the Jerome Campus of Clatsop Community College and at Lucy's Books, Godfather’s Books, Coffee Girl and Bronze Coast Gallery. A reading and dance was held May 5th at CCC’s Art Center Gallery. On hand were many of the authors and artists included in the edition. The writers read their pieces; original artwork was displayed; guests mingled with contributors while sipping punch, and then they danced.
 
This year, the magazine included a special theme: the “Spirit of Discovery” section is a collection of essays, poems, photographs, and art reflecting on the recent commemoration of the Lewis and Clark journey and the continuing spirit of discovery in modern times. Pieces range in subject from Bill Kaspar's hilarious and slightly scathing version of what the Clatsop may have thought of Lewis and Clark to Nancy Slavin’s view of what might have happened had they arrived from the sea instead of the Columbia.
 
RAIN Magazine has a proud history of being a showcase for local artists and writers. This year, Clatsop student David r.r. Homer waited patiently at Fort Stevens for exactly the right light for a stunning cover image of a moss-stained wall rising out of black floodwaters. Clatsop Art Instructor Kristen Shauck submitted a portrayal of Sacagawea, Kim McCarthy a stencil of a fish, and Patience Wubben a bold abstract painting. Local writing voices like Jane Means, David Campiche, Claudia Harper, Florence Sage and Thom Trusewicz presented works on discovery, death, direction and Brando's cotton undershirt. John Burroughs Medal winner and Guggenheim Fellow Robert Michael Pyle and Oregon Book Award winner Kathleen Dean Moore are featured as well, as is student and recent Oregon State Poetry Association award winner Margit Lia Bowler.
 
Submissions for next year’s edition are accepted beginning October 1, 2006. Any subject is considered and submitters need be neither CCC students nor professional writers and artists. For more information, call Nancy Cook at 338-2335.
 
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The cover of the 2006 RAIN Magazine, with photo by David r.r. Homer

David Capiche reads poetry May 5th at the RAIN Magazine release reception