“Art for sanity’s sake” is the motivating ethos behind The Gently Mad Magazine, says UWindsor alumna Serafina Piasentin (BA 2024), one of the founders of the online literary journal.

“Looking around, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the chaos in the world,” Piasentin says. “The Gently Mad Magazine thinks it's important to publish what you created to combat and cope with insanity. Besides, aren’t all artists and authors a little gently mad anyway? It is in clinging to the beauty in the ruin that sustains us.”

After meeting at a creative writing summer course at the University of Edinburgh, Piasentin and co-founder Juliana Allan launched the publication as a platform for established and emerging writers.

“Our goal is to stand out in the literary world by introducing a gently mad persona for each issue,” says Piasentin.

The first issue featured a gently mad navigator who searched for purpose beyond the known path. The second issue, launching May 4, features the gently mad muse, a self-created source of inspiration.

The launch event will serve as a belated celebration of National Poetry Month and is set for 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at Biblioasis Bookshop, 1520 Wyandotte St. East. It promises readings and signings by Windsor-based contributors.

The Gently Mad Magazine will open submissions of poetry, prose, photography, and other art forms including digital art for its third issue starting May 5, under the persona of the gently mad giant.

“Send us your poems, stories, and artworks that encapsulate your dreams for greatness,” Piasentin says.

Find more information on submission guidelines, click here to submit work, or email the editors directly at gentlymadmagazine@gmail.com. Submissions will close June 12.