Artemis dedicates the 2017 issue to internationally acclaimed poet, Nikki Giovanni, for her courage and lifetime commitment to social justice. Like the goddess Artemis, Nikki Giovanni serves as a beacon to those of us who believe in the power of artto bring light into the world. We at Artemis think of Nikki Giovanni as godmotherto this journal. From the 1980's until today, she has given generously of her time andtalent to nurture and support the work of artists and writers in her adopted homehere in Southwest Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.Artemis gives special thanks to the following for their support of this journal:Richard Dillard, Hollins University Professor of English and Editor of The HollinsCritic, for initiating an archival collection of Artemis Journals in 1977. Journalscan be found in the Wyndham Robertson Library Special Collections Department.The Roanoke Arts Commission for awarding Artemis a generous grant that helpedfinance the Artemis 2016 Journal Launch.The Roanoke Taubman Museum of Art for graciously donating space at theTaubman Black Box Theater for the 2016 and 2017 Artemis Journal Launches.Like many non-profit cultural organizations, Artemis relies upon the passionate, committed few who give their expertise, time, and energy. After many successful years, Artemis took a 14-year hiatus. When it was resurrected in 2014, with the help ofMaurice Ferguson and Virginia Lepley, we have been continually astonished by theresponse, and by the rich community of artists and writers Artemis is bringing together.