Local journalism outlet Eight & 322 recently published its first print edition. Thanks to a Creative Ventures Grant issued through Arts Oil City, who distributed Pennsylvania Council on the Arts funding for art related business ideas locally, Eight & 322 was able to put together a 12-page prototype magazine.

The initial run of 200 magazines is the start of seasonal publications. The first edition was called “A focus on Oil City arts” and features articles and pictures about arts and art-related topics pertaining to the city.

“The first one is always the toughest to accomplish, but through this process we learned a lot and will be able to move forward into our next project with confidence and know-how,” said Rich Sayer, Eight & 322 founder and principle photographer.

The magazines are available for free and have been distributed to several locations in the Oil City and Franklin area.

While the website (8and322.com) continues to includes articles and photos from a variety of topics, the print publication will maintain an art focus.

“We want to become a major source of information for artists and about artists, and help spread the word about all the artrelated opportunities available in the Venango area, whether it is visual, performance or literary,” Sayer said. “Affordable advertising space is available in the next edition, which we are targeting to start distributing in early October.”

For more details on how to get a copy of the magazine or purchase advertising, go to the Eight & 322 Facebook page, or contact Rich Sayer at 8and322@gmail.com

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s July 2024 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.