We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Weaver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think our events are successful because there is this ongoing interest in zines and DIY publications, even though it seems like something we would leave behind in the digital and internet age. Zines, micro-publishing, and making your own way to share your art is something powerful that no matter what other apps or media pop up, we seem to always enjoy the material aspect of zines and supporting artists directly. Throughout the history of zines, they have always been an opportunity to share something outside the status quo, something unique, something one-of-a-kind. I think we are successful because we truly love the history and culture of zines, and want to celebrate and showcase our own zine community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started creating zines after learning more about them and wanting to explore some different art forms, I found some old magazines at thrift stores and just started collaging things together one day. My first zine was about women in cycling, and that grew into more environmental and social topics. Once I had more zines, I wanted to attend Zine Fests around DFW, and eventually, I wanted to help with the Denton Fest. I reached out to the group that ran the fest, and they had decided not to do more events, so I asked and got the OK to run a similar event instead, and here we are!

As DZAP grew over the years, we moved venues almost every year until finding our current fit. With each new venue, that meant new vendor coordination and layout design, so it’s nice to return to a venue and know what is a good layout for the event. Every venue that hosted us was always welcoming and accommodating, and it gave us chances to explore different collaborations. We feel like we found a home in Rubber Gloves with its live music and DIY history, community collaborations, and large layout.

Coordinating Denton Zine & Art Party has been a great growing experience for me. I’ve grown relationships with artists and other community organizations; we went from a pop-up zine library event to having a zine library at the Greater Denton Arts Council; we host regular zine workshops and zine-making tables at various locations – from libraries, to bars, to arts centers and studios. I’ve connected with national and international zine networks, and have learned how expansive our shared love of zines really is.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I wanted to give someone a Denton Zine & Art Party-themed trip, I’d take them to Recycle Books and the Mini Mall in Downtown Denton – these are some of the places I thrifted my first magazines to collage with. We can stop by Norman Roscoe on the Square and check out some screen-printed goodies (DZAP hosted a pop-up there one year!). If we needed some arts and crafts supplies, I’d take them to Thistle Creative Reuse first, and stop by Voertman’s to see what art supplies they have. We’d probably get a coffee at Aura Coffee or Golden Boy, then pick up some zines I had printed at Orbit Press. We could grab something refreshing at Harvest House, Dan’s Silverleaf, or Rubber Gloves, and I’d probably suggest one of our favorite Thai Restaurants in Denton (that’s not zine-themed, I just love Thai Food) – Andaman, Tuk-Tuk, Oriental Garden and Royal Yum are some of my Denton favorites. We’d stop by the Greater Denton Arts Council to see the zine library and check out what exhibits they have up. As we drive around town, we’d listen to KUZU – 92.9FM in Denton – and hear all the local DJs. I love going to live shows around town – any night of the week – and we’d probably end the night watching live local music and catching up with friends between bands.

Fun and exciting DZAP events coming up include:

Our upcoming workshop: July 20, 6-8 PM at the Greater Denton Arts Council – Celebrate Zine Library Day and join our free zine-making workshop!

Our Zine Fest! September 16, 3-7 PM at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios – find local zine, art, and DIY vendors, local KUZU DJs, and more!
We’re accepting vendor applications, so if you’re interested, go to our website for more info!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this Shoutout to the friends and artists that have supported Denton Zine & Art Party from our start in 2016. I wanted to be a part of our local zine community, and found myself planning a local zine fest! Throughout the years, we’ve had artists and friends that have tabled, volunteered, performed, and contributed to the event every year, and the event feels really supported by our community going into another year of events.

Website: https://www.dentonzines.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentonzineartparty

Image Credits
Profile Polaroid by Daniel Rodrigue

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