“As a zine that publishes the work of women, non-binary, and genderqueer writers, MALA LECHE often features pieces on motherhood. We think, in some ways, all of the pieces we feature are about motherhood, as we are all participating in the act of creation, ushering in the new world through our poems, our stories, and our art.
We hope this beautiful array of pieces in MALA LECHE #4 demonstrates our collective commitment to seeing things as they are, while also having the courage to create something that nourishes the hearts and minds of others.”

~ Sri Kodakalla & Ramona Martinez, Co-founders of MALA LECHE

The Feminist Union of Charlottesville Creatives (FUCC) is proud to present the fourth issue of MALA LECHE, a quarterly radical art zine featuring the work of women, non-binary, and genderqueer artists and writers from Central Virginia. For this issue, we’ve returned to our roots and produced a theme-less grab bag issue, curated by our co-founders and featuring works submitted throughout this past year. MALA LECHE #4 features the work of 16 artists and writers from the Central Virginia area.

The issue includes work of:

We’re so excited to be able to share this issue with you and are thankful for such a wonderful opportunity to collaborate, connect, and support such a vast and talented local community of artists and writers.

READ THE ISSUE ONLINE:

I WANT A PHYSICAL COPY. WHERE DO I GET ONE?

MALA LECHE is made for print; therefore, the physical copies are limited edition and distribution will be quarterly. This page will house an archive of online editions (if you can’t get your hands on a physical copy).

You can snag a print copy of our MALA LECHE #4 at the following locations:

• RAD PRESS news stands outside The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative (209 Monticello Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902)

• McGuffey Art Center main desk (201 2nd Street NW, Charlottesville, VA 22902)

• Second Street Gallery (115 2nd Street SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902)

• Studio IX / JBird Coffee Supply (969 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902)

• Visible Records (1740 Broadway St, Charlottesville, VA 22902)

COMMON FAQS /

WHAT IS MALA LECHE?

MALA LECHE is a quarterly radical art zine by The Feminist Union of C’ville Creatives. This zine will feature the art and writing of women, non-binary, and genderqueer artists and thinkers.

We believe that all art is inherently political and has the power to reshape society. We believe that in this time of separation, we have the opportunity to come together as never before. We believe that authentic creation is a radical act, even more so when it is shared with others. May this zine be a testament to our inevitable future, one without fascism, capitalism, and white supremacy.

In this time of physical separation, this zine creates an opportunity to collaborate and present our work outside of the gallery space in an impactful way. Making art is a revolutionary act - an act of confronting the world. Through artmaking, we assert and own our existence (who we are, where we came from, our ancestors that came before us…). MALA LECHE will be a tangible outlet for this, reflecting our own world and ideas. 

WHAT DOES “MALA LECHE” MEAN?

MALA LECHE is a Spanish colloquial expression that can be used two ways:

1. To define a person’s character, or to say someone is acting in bad faith (their milk is bad and shouldn’t be trusted.)

   • Este chico tiene muy mala leche, no te juntes con él. → This boy is very mean, don’t hang out with him.

2. Being pissed off (your milk has gone bad.) 

   • Julia está de mala leche porque se le rompió el coche. → Julia is in a bad mood because her car broke down.

We chose this title for our zine because we do not trust society’s milk, and we’re pissed about it.

SUPPORT MALA LECHE

MALA LECHE is a program within The Feminist Union of C’ville Creatives and is still in its infancy and requires the need of year-round community fundraising to support paying creative contributor stipends, labor in layout and production, printing and distribution costs, as well as organizing/coordinating in-person/virtual events around the release. If you are interested in supporting MALA LECHE and FUCC, please consider making a contribution via our donation portal. If you are an organization interested in sponsoring an issue or sponsoring a part of the production process, please contact Sri & Ramona at heyfucc@gmail.com.

ARCHIVES OF MALA LECHE

MALA LECHE #3: Window To Another Realm | Third issue of MALA LECHE featuring 18 creatives: Candice Agnello, Brigid Bartels, Erika Chu, Dana Espinosa, Kristen Finn, Sophie Gibson, Meesha Goldberg, Laura Lee Gulledge, Makaela-Ann Johansen, Margaret Kim, Sri Kodakalla, Zoe Krylova, Ramona Martinez, Rochelle Sumner & The Bonnet Maker Project, Julia Travers, Taylor Trumble, Jess Walters, and Abigail Wilson

MALA LECHE #2: Fever Dreams of Mother Earth | Second issue of MALA LECHE featuring 20 creatives: Rochelle Sumner, Kori Price, Jess (JD) Walters, Laura Josephine Snyder, Sam Gray, Barbara Shenefield, Seo Kelleher, Mihr Danae, Miranda Elliott-Rader, Ramona Martinez, Brielle DuFlon, Elizabeth Mayer, Lana Gentry, Audrey Parks, Dana Wheeles, Makaela Johansen, Kendall King, Mica Rose, Kate Boland, Meesha Goldberg, and Sri Kodakalla

MALA LECHE #1 | First issue of MALA LECHE featuring 13 creatives: Mariana Bell, Sunny:D, Jess Davis, Miranda Elliott-Rader, Meesha Goldberg, Sam Gray, Sri Kodakalla, Ramona Martinez, Tobiah Mundt, Allison Profeta, Guleer Shahab, Abigail Wilson, and one anonymous contributor

I WANT TO BE A PART OF MALA LECHE. HOW?

MALA LECHE is a quarterly zine and we open up for submissions regularly throughout the year. All women, nonbinary, and gender-queer creatives are welcome to submit to our open calls. Our fifth issue will have a call for submissions out in late March 2022. Reach out via our contact page to join our newsletter to stay up to date on our next call for submissions.