Artemis Journal is an annual, juried publication that masterfully interlaces poetry and visual art, creating a radiant tapestry that celebrates the spirit of our region. Our mission is to uplift and showcase the creative voices that echo from the Appalachian hills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, nurturing artistic expression and weaving a strong, interconnected community.
Founded in 1976 as a writing workshop for survivors of domestic violence in the misty embrace of Southwest Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Artemis Journal began as a luminous sanctuary for voices long silenced. By transforming anguish into art, these workshops offered women not just a tool, but a lifeline: the power to write, to heal, and to reclaim their stories. Over the years, Artemis Journal has blossomed into one of the region’s most enduring and distinctive literary and arts publications, a testament to the resilience and creativity born from adversity.
Across five decades, the Roanoke-based journal has published over 3,000 poems and works of art, showcasing both emerging and renowned talents in American literature and visual arts. Pulitzer Prize winners, Poet Laureates, and new Appalachian voices appear side by side, making Artemis one of the few U.S. publications to fully integrate visual art and poetry throughout its pages.
Nurturing the next generation lies at the very heart of our mission. Artemis offers hands-on mentorship to young writers, guiding them through the vibrant process of creating a literary and art journal and compelling social media content. Students from Hollins University gain invaluable experience through our internship program, and we are proud to have two talented Hollins interns currently shaping our work. This year, we are thrilled to join forces with Roanoke City and the Roanoke City Public Library to launch a permanent regional Youth Poet Laureate program. These rising literary voices will not only contribute to our legacy, but will also help shape the celebration of our 50th Anniversary—an event made even more special by the presence of our distinguished guest, U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze, who will spend an afternoon session with the propective Youth Poet Laureates.
Artemis further amplifies creative voices through its bi-monthly podcast, Artemis Speaks. Hosted by Founder and Editor Jeri Rogers, the podcast features insightful conversations with artists and writers whose work graces the journal’s pages. Now in its vibrant fifth season, reaching 5000 listeners, Artemis Speaks invites listeners behind the scenes of artistic creation, offering intimate glimpses into inspiration, process, and passion—while championing the rich diversity that defines our creative community.
As a nonprofit, Artemis (Artemis Artists and Writers Inc. 501c3, EIN 52-1354121) donates 10% of annual sales to a local women’s shelter, remaining steadfast in its mission to amplify diverse creative voices from the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond.
This year, Artemis celebrates its 50th anniversary with a public launch event at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke on September 4, 2026, featuring guest speakers, U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze and internationally acclaimed artist Michele Oka Doner as our cover artist.
