Voices de la Luna

Mike Burke

As Voices de la Luna: A Quarterly Poetry & Arts Magazine enters its fourth year of publication, I would like to thank all the volunteers, staff, and benefactors for their hard work and support. Also I would like to thank the many art and literary contributors who provide Voices de la Luna with the rich content published in the four formats including the hardcopy.
     With all these efforts, Voices de la Luna continues to grow and improve upon the quality of its publication and the extent of its community service work. 
     As you will see in this issue, Voices de la Luna has become a platform for some outstanding local poets and writers such as Naomi Shihab Nye, Robert Bonazzi, Steve Kellman, and Wendy Barker. Their nationally and internationally recognized poetry and prose add to the quality and reputation of our humble San Antonio publication.
     Jim Brandenburg and Mo Saidi have significantly expanded their workshops. Monthly venues at Barnes and Nobles, local colleges and galleries, and Clark High School have encouraged and expanded the skills of new young writers who contribute regularly to Voices de la Luna. Their work has greatly expanded appreciation of the arts in our community, which enriches our culture. Using poetry and art as a means of therapy has always been a key objective of Voices de la Luna. 
     In addition to the continued work of Jim Brandenburg, Maripat Munley is now utilizing art therapy at the Bexar County Detention Center and Haven for Hope on behalf of Voices de la Luna. Poetry and art therapy for at risk individuals and groups continues to show benefits. Note the section in this issue that features some of the contributions from individuals we are currently helping.
     Growth and expansion are always key objectives for Voices de la Luna because we believe in the benefits we bring to the community and individuals. Our recent agreement with Gallery Nord gives us a cost free venue to feature the work of our contributing artist and writers. Recent discussions with the English Department at San Antonio College will expand the number of poetry and writing workshops while introducing a new group of young people to our work. 
     As we grow and the work load expands it is important that we use the most updated technology to edit and publish our magazine. To that end we are employing Submishmash as of this edition. This software accepts submissions electronically using e-mail and via www.submishmash.com. This platform-agnostic is designed to enable our editors to read, view, or listen to submissions via any file type. We are also making it easier for our readers to work with us using "PHP List" software to revise their e-mail addresses or unsubscribe to our address book.
     Last year was a year of great strides forward for Voices de la Luna, but we can only continue to improve and grow with your support and help. As we plan our fundraising campaign and events for 2012 I hope we can count on your continued support Thanks again!