“It was a lovely surprise,” said Laurie Graham, assistant editor and circulation manager at Brick. “We had no idea we had been nominated, and just found out recently. We’re extremely proud of our writers — of our writing — and it’s truly great to have others acknowledge your work.”

 

Brick (www.brickmag.com) describes itself as serious, but not too earnest journalistic non-fiction. “We like examining the world of art, and literature,” said Graham. “We’ve been at it for about 30 years!”

 

Geez, in operation for five years and boasting 2,000 subscribers, is a printed quarterly that bills itself as “Christian (or post-Christian, depends how narrow your categories are) but not in a way that offends those who are overdosed on Sunday School simplifications.” The magazine previously claimed an UTNE Award in 2009 for “Best Spiritual Coverage,” as well as winning numerous other awards for religious journalism. (http://geezmagazine.org)

"We just opened the envelope," said Aiden Enns, editor at Geez. "We're absolutely thrilled to be nominated for the fifth time, and hope to walk away with another win in 2011!"

 

This Magazine — tagline: “Because everything is political” — has been in publication since 1966, with a focus on Canadian politics, pop culture and the arts. It publishes bi-monthly, and has featured the works of prominent Canadian authors including Margaret Atwood, Naomi Klein and Michael Ondaatje. (http://this.org)

 

Alternatives Journal's Brian St. Denis, the audience development manager, said this is the fourth time the magazine has been nominated for an Utne award. (http://alternativesjournal.ca/)

Other prominent American nominees included Creative Nonfiction and The Believer.

 

For a full list of nominees, and further information on the award, visit the Utne Reader website: http://www.utne.com/Utne-Independent-Press-Award-Nominees-2011-Press-Release.aspx