It is my pleasure to introduce myself as I humbly offer my services as the interim editor of Aeqai. My name is Marlene Steele, practicing professional artist and portrait painter, and occasional review writer for Aeqai over the past several years.

The untimely passing of Aeqai editor Daniel Brown on August 10, 2021 was shattering and disheartening. We who knew him enjoyed his support and personal friendship. His ardent interest in the art community was productively channeled into a broader mechanism of interconnectivity. Those of us who wrote for the Aeqai platform will miss him in many ways far past his directional and supportive editorship. However, we firmly believe that his vision must have a future.

Under the auspices of the Aeqai board, we are organizing to keep moving forward, continuing the mission of Aeqai as a regional review of art events and exhibits. We firmly believe that this platform connects artists and engages the art-consuming public by stepping into the gap of diminishing and even non-existing discourse and media coverage.

A timeline intensive reorganization happened to put this issue together with a one week deadline push back. We gratefully thank Susan Byrnes, interim co-editor, the advice and technical abilities of David Kirley and the coordination and interfacing of Cedric Michael Cox and Jens G. Rosenkrantz, Jr. with the support of all members of the board. Our endeavor is successful through their efforts and the many writers who contributed to this issue.

As we honor Daniel’s legacy by continuing the work he has begun, we encourage your continued readership and support. You are an integral part of the equation moving forward.

We appreciate your continuing interest and unflagging engagement with our arts community.

Marlene Steele

Interim Editor