Alternative Press (Detroit, Michigan)

Literary and artistic small press started in Detroit in 1969 by poet Ken Mikolowski and painter Ann Mikolowski. The press moved to Grindstone City (Mich) in 1974, and then to Ann Arbor (Mich) in the 1980's. The press focused on publishing poetry and artwork created by members of Detroit's Cass Corridor community, later becoming international in scope. Subscription mailings contained poetry, bookmarks, bumper stickers, drawings, paintings, collages, and postcards.

From the description of The Alternative Press records, 1961-1998 (bulk 1970-1995). (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 62718965

Detroit natives Ken and Ann Mikolowski were a part of the creative community centered in Cass Corridor in and around Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Ken was a poet and Ann an artist. They became collaborators and purchased the letterpress of the Detroit Artists Workshop so they could print art and poetry in the basement of their home. In 1971 the Mikolowskis started sending out mailings on a subscription basis, they went out seasonally and included stickers, postcards, bookmarks and sometimes original art and poetry. Word about the Alternative Press spread and the original circle of friends expanded across the nation to included the work of Allen Ginsberg, Anne Waldman, Gary Snyder and Ted Berrigan among others.

From the description of [The Alternative Press collection], 1969-1992. (Wayne State University). WorldCat record id: 266046151