Thanks for Stopping By
The origins of this project are simple: We know plenty of talented writers, photographers, illustrators and designers who are based here but always working on the coasts (and, sometimes, decamping permanently for them). We aim to bring their talents home, so to speak, and use them to tell the stories that surround us.
Our region’s roots are with settlers, immigrants and dreamers looking to carve out their own place in the universe. In that spirit, we produce stories about the indefatigable, the inspirational, the ambitious and even, yes, the frustrating. People, places, ideas—you’ll find them all here in our little magazine, in our little corner of the universe. Want to contribute? Drop us a line at middleouestmag@gmail.com. You can find us, too, on Instagram and Facebook.
Thanks for reading and for sharing what you like.
Cassie Walker Burke
Cassie Walker Burke is a Chicago-based writer, editor and editorial project manager whose corner of the Midwestern universe is a 1926 bungalow with stunning stained glass windows and a crumbling brick outer wall. Her work has appeared in Crain's Chicago Business, Chicago magazine, Politico, Elle Decor, and Interior Design. She is originally from Alabama and is a barbeque snob.
Bree McKenna
Bree McKenna is a New York native who has lived and worked in Chicago for the past 15 years. An art director/designer by trade, Bree is drawn to Chicago's gritty, redheaded-step-child persona—as a redhead she can say that—and is constantly in awe of its beauty.
Contributors
Dave Rentauskas is a photographer who lives in Chicago.
John Kenzie is a freelance illustrator from Chicago.
Claire Zulkey is a writer from Evanston, Illinois. Illustration by Lila Freeman.
Esther Kang is a journalist in Chicago.
Meribah Knight is a writer based in Nashville.
Leah Roszkowski is an illustrator and graphic designer from Chicago.
We all have stories to tell
We're always looking for new and interesting stories to tell. If you'd have one, let us know.