This digital periodical is aimed at everyone from the hard-working creative to the passionate art lover. It was born out of the lively exchanges of the Waichulis Biweekly Artist Roundtables, the Roundtable Newsletters, the ÀNI Art Academies newsletters, and the wealth of ideas shared in our Smartermarx archive and forum. More than just a newsletter, this resource is intended as a community hub. It is designed to be a place where artists, art-lovers, lifelong learners, and the many creatives of the ÀNI network can connect, celebrate, and grow together.

Rooted in the ÀNI Art Academies, a global family of educational institutions founded to provide exceptional training in visual art, this publication reflects the same commitment to skill, curiosity, and creative exchange that defines ÀNI’s educational mission. Yet, while its origins lie in the ÀNI Academies, we hope that its reach extends far beyond. This is an open space for anyone who values the pursuit of mastery and the joy of artistic discovery, regardless of background or affiliation. With academies and partners spanning multiple continents, ÀNI has long celebrated the power of connection through art. This publication continues that mission by giving voice to artists, teachers, and enthusiasts worldwide and offering a shared platform for reflection, learning, and inspiration.

The magazine is the brainchild of Ava Ash-Waichulis (Editor), Anya Dribas (Creative Director), and Anthony Waichulis (Resident Tech Wrangler, usually tinkering with the gears behind the scenes). Their vision: a periodical that is equal parts community, resource, celebration, and conversation starter. Each issue is anchored by one of ÀNI’s Core Values—from community and compassion to integrity, diversity, and lifelong learning—values that shape not only how we teach, but how we connect, create, and contribute to the world around us.