I edit a local arts and culture magazine called Hibbleton Independent. To my knowledge, it is the only magazine devoted exclusively to arts and culture in Fullerton. I started the mag four years ago, as an outgrowth of Hibbleton Gallery, to shine a light on local creativity. This Thursday (5/17), we are having the release party for our fourth issue. The theme is local history and culture.
Here's the letter from the editor that explains the focus and intent of the magazine.
Hello friends,
For the past year, I have been working on a writing project
called The Town I Live In: A History of Fullerton. The more I research the history, politics,
and culture of this medium-sized American city, the more convinced I become
that, before understanding the problems of the world, we must first understand
the problems of our own local communities.
Here in Fullerton, we have had all the classic American struggles
and problems: racism, segregation, oppression, political corruption, corporate
exploitation, homelessness, poverty. On
the other hand, we have had some amazing social triumphs: de-segregation, rich
musical and artistic happenings, grass roots activism, non-profits, educational
opportunities.
As I’ve invested myself in the downtown Fullerton art, music, and
literary scene, I am continually blown away by the quality of people in this
community: artists, musicians, and writers creating amazing stuff and sharing
what they create.
Most of this talent flies under the radar of popular
culture. But it exists. I know, because I’ve seen it and heard
it. Beneath all the shallowness and
cliches and problems, there exists a vibrant beating heart of creative and
inspiring culture right here.
One of my missions in life is to bring some of this culture to
light. That has been the goal of this
little magazine since its first issue, four years ago. My friend Sean Bohrman, who co-owns Burger
Records here in town, once told me, “If we sit back and passively take what the
world gives us, we’re going to think everything is shitty. But if we actively contribute from our hearts
and look carefully, we can find some fucking awesome things right here, right
in Fullerton.” Amen, Sean.
I hope you enjoy Issue #4 of Hibbleton Independent, in which we look
carefully at the culture (past and present) of Fullerton, California, and the
people who are not sitting back and passively taking what the world gives them,
but making new things every day.
Love,
Jesse La Tour
Editor, Hibbleton Independent
This year's issue features interviews with local artists John Sollom, Rene Cardona, Hagop Najarian, Marjorie Kerr, Christie Yuri Noh, Jonathan St. Amant, conversations with gallery owners Brian Prince and Michael Magoski, essays about public art and controversies in Fullerton's history, and much, much more. I am really excited about this. Hope to see you there. The event is from 7-10 this Thursday at Hibbleton Gallery (223 W. Santa Fe Fullerton, CA in The Magoski Arts Colony.)
