The 2024 Other Almanac
A sparkling new take on an age-old publication: The Other Almanac brings together a stellar group of young writers, artists and activists to pick up themes of environmentalism, gardening, recipes, folklore, seasonal savvy, and off- the-beaten-track amusement, all presented in brilliant color and eye-popping design. Out with the Old, in with the Other!
The original Almanac is the oldest continuously printed publication in the US . It comprises a popular mix of ancient wisdom, garden advice, poems, jokes, how-to's, recipes, and calendars. It is, however, still tailored to its traditional audience: largely rural, white and conservative. It eschews stances on anything overtly progressive, be it political, ecological, or social.
The Other Almanac puts right these omissions. Whilst retaining the quirkiness and liveliness of the original, it aims to bridge the urban/rural divide in America, delving into issues of politics and culture that unite us all. Its pages are filled with buoyant contributions from climate organizers, indigenous activists, migrant farmworkers, historians, scientists, medicine makers, incarcerated painters, astrologers, lawyers, borderland midwives and more. Original, full color art surrounds their writing, creating an inviting, accessible yearbook that will entertain and educate a wide new readership for an age-old chronicle.
Contributors: 10th Floor Studio, adrienne maree brown, Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Alfredo Jaar, Amaryllis R. Flowers, Andrea Aliseda, Bill McKibben, Bread and Puppet Press, Carla J. Simmons, Chloë Boxer, Chris Lloyd, Dyani White Hawk, Dylan Smith, Daniel Barreto, Esther Elia, Food With Fam, Francesca DiMattio, Hangama Amiri, Hannah Beerman, Jennifer Givhan, Jessie Kindig, Jumana Manna, Kirk Gordon, Keegan Dakkar Lomanto, Lily Consuelo Saporta Tagiuri, Philip Poon, Sophia Giovannitti, Tania Willard, Tyrrell Tapaha, Veladya Chapman, Who Tattoo, Yaku Perez Guartambel.
Ana Ratner is an artist and plant enthusiast. Her sculptural work spans various mediums and is inspired by furniture design, experimental tableware, and traditional craft. She teaches botanical workshops at schools, gardens, galleries, and museums. She is the founder of Little Broad Studio, a home goods and herbal shop, and currently co-runs The Krumville Schoolhouse, an educational and event space, and Sister Divine’s Farm (and farmstand) in Krumville, NY.