LibGuides: Welcome to Jannes Library!: Journals & Magazines

The KCAI community has access to many digital and print periodicals! Current print issues of our subscriptions can be found in the first floor reading rooms on the metal shelves flanking the fireplaces. The most recent issue is on display on the shelf, but if you lift the row, previous issues can be found.

On the first floor, within the stacks, the journals and magazines range from 1996 to the current issue.

If you'd like to inquire about an issue prior to 1996, please contact library@kcai.edu. All historical issues are kept within the archives.

Current Subscriptions

Jannes Library receives physical copies of a number of publications. Below are the listed serials we receive, and you can view any issues on-site. The following links take you to any digital copies available through our databases. If no digital versions are available, the link will take you to the listing in our catalog, which includes holding statements.

Adbusters
Adbusters Magazine is a bi-monthly, anti-consumerist publication known for its bold, provocative design and radical critiques of corporate culture, advertising, and capitalism. Produced by the Adbusters Media Foundation, the magazine blends political commentary, cultural criticism, and activist art to challenge mainstream narratives and inspire social and environmental change. It's best known for launching movements like Buy Nothing Day and Occupy Wall Street.
African Arts
Published quarterly by the UCLA James S. Coleman African Studies Center, African Arts is a leading scholarly journal devoted to the visual arts of Africa and its diaspora. It features academic articles, artist interviews, exhibition reviews, and photo essays, offering deep insights into both traditional forms and contemporary practices across the continent. With rich visuals and cross-disciplinary approaches, it serves art historians, curators, and readers interested in African cultural heritage.
American Poetry Review
Founded in 1972, American Poetry Review is one of the most influential poetry journals in the United States. Known for its accessible yet innovative content, it publishes new work by emerging and established poets, as well as essays, interviews, and reviews that offer context and conversation around contemporary poetics. Its tabloid format and broad circulation help bridge the gap between the literary community and the general public.
Aperture
Aperture is a highly respected photography magazine founded in 1952 by a group that included Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange. Each issue presents a thematic exploration of photography’s role in culture, offering portfolios, critical essays, and artist interviews. With its focus on fine art and documentary photography, Aperture is both visually stunning and intellectually rigorous, appealing to photographers, curators, and scholars alike.
Archives of American Art Journal
Published by the Smithsonian Institution, the Archives of American Art Journal is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the history of American visual arts. It draws on the extensive archives held by the Smithsonian to produce research-based articles that illuminate the social, political, and cultural contexts of American art. The journal is essential reading for art historians, curators, and anyone interested in the documentary basis of American art history.
Art Bulletin
The Art Bulletin, published by the College Art Association, is one of the most prestigious academic journals in art history. It features peer-reviewed articles, critical essays, and scholarly reviews that span the full breadth of art historical inquiry—from ancient to contemporary and from global to local. It is a vital resource for academic researchers, educators, and museum professionals.
ArtForum
A leading voice in contemporary art since the 1960s, ArtForum offers cutting-edge criticism, reviews, artist projects, and theoretical essays. Known for its bold graphic design and often provocative content, the magazine covers the latest developments in visual art with a global perspective. It is widely read by artists, collectors, curators, and students interested in the latest trends and debates in the art world.
Arts of Asia
Arts of Asia is a beautifully produced magazine based in Hong Kong that has been publishing since 1970. It specializes in the art, archaeology, and heritage of Asian cultures, including China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Richly illustrated and scholarly in tone, it is a key resource for collectors, curators, and scholars interested in the material culture of Asia.
Ceramics Monthly
Ceramics Monthly is a go-to publication for ceramic artists and enthusiasts. It features artist profiles, technical how-tos, studio tours, exhibition reviews, and market insights. With its approachable tone and emphasis on community, creativity, and craftsmanship, it appeals to both professional ceramicists and hobbyists.
Ceramics, Art and Perception
This international journal provides critical perspectives on contemporary ceramic art. With in-depth artist interviews, essays, and exhibition coverage, Ceramics: Art and Perception positions ceramics within the broader field of fine art. It serves artists, collectors, critics, and educators interested in the evolving language of ceramic expression.
Communication Arts
One of the most respected design publications, Communication Arts covers visual communication across multiple disciplines including graphic design, advertising, illustration, photography, and typography. The magazine showcases award-winning work, interviews with industry leaders, and thought pieces on trends and technologies shaping the creative industries.
Contact Sheet
Published by Light Work, Contact Sheet highlights the work of contemporary photographers, especially those at the early stages of their careers or working outside the mainstream. Each issue functions as a gallery in print, with thoughtful curation and contextual essays. It is a valuable platform for experimental and socially engaged photography.
Discover
Discover magazine makes complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging to general readers. Covering topics from neuroscience to space exploration, it presents the latest research and theories in a clear, story-driven format. It is ideal for curious minds who want to stay informed about scientific developments without needing a technical background.
Film Quarterly
Published by the University of California Press, Film Quarterly offers scholarly yet readable criticism and analysis of film, television, and digital media. It features essays on classic and contemporary works, interviews with filmmakers, and reflections on media theory, making it a vital resource for students, educators, and cinephiles.
Handwoven
A practical and inspiring magazine for fiber artists, Handwoven focuses on the craft of weaving. It includes detailed patterns, equipment reviews, artist features, and step-by-step instructions. It supports weavers of all skill levels and promotes the preservation and innovation of handweaving traditions.
Journal of Modern Craft
This peer-reviewed journal explores contemporary craft in its many forms, from studio practice to industrial design. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering critical essays on craft’s history, politics, and evolving cultural significance. It is essential reading for scholars, curators, and makers interested in the intellectual dimensions of craft.
KC Studio
Published by the ArtsKC Regional Arts Council, KC Studio is a glossy bi-monthly that promotes the vibrant arts scene of Kansas City. It includes previews and reviews of exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, as well as profiles of local artists and institutions. It serves both the arts community and the broader public.
Make: Technology on Your Time
Make: is the flagship publication of the maker movement. It offers DIY projects that fuse craft, engineering, and technology—such as robotics, 3D printing, and coding. With its hands-on ethos and accessible instructions, it inspires creativity and problem-solving for hobbyists, educators, and tech enthusiasts.
McSweeney's
Founded by Dave Eggers, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern is a literary journal known for its inventive format, high-quality fiction and essays, and artistic presentation. Each issue is uniquely designed and thematically adventurous, often blending literature with visual art. It appeals to readers who value literary innovation and aesthetic experimentation.
MIT Technology Review
Published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this magazine covers emerging technologies and their broader implications for business, society, and the environment. With in-depth reporting and expert analysis, MIT Technology Review is a trusted source for readers interested in the future of innovation.
Ms.
Co-founded by Gloria Steinem in 1971, Ms. magazine is a pioneering feminist publication that combines investigative journalism, cultural commentary, and political analysis from a gender justice perspective. It remains a vital voice in movements for equity and women’s rights.
National Geographic
National Geographic is world-renowned for its exceptional photography, in-depth reporting, and coverage of science, exploration, history, and culture. With a legacy dating back to 1888, it continues to inform and inspire readers about the wonders of the natural world and the challenges it faces.
New Letters
A literary journal published by the University of Missouri–Kansas City, New Letters features poetry, fiction, essays, and interviews. It is known for publishing both emerging voices and established writers, with a focus on quality storytelling and literary excellence.
Orion
Orion is a thought-provoking magazine that explores the connections between nature, culture, and justice. With lyrical writing, environmental reporting, and striking visuals, it speaks to readers seeking a deeper understanding of humanity’s place in the natural world.
Out/Advocate
Out and The Advocate are leading publications serving the LGBTQ+ community. Out focuses on lifestyle, fashion, and cultural commentary, while The Advocate is known for its political journalism and advocacy reporting. Together, they offer a comprehensive look at queer life, rights, and representation.
Printmaking Today
This UK-based quarterly is the only international magazine devoted to contemporary printmaking. It covers techniques, exhibitions, artists, and editions, with a balance of practical insight and critical reflection. It’s a key resource for printmakers, educators, and collectors.
Scientific America
One of the oldest continuously published science magazines, Scientific American offers rigorous, peer-reviewed articles on breakthroughs and debates across the sciences. Written by experts but accessible to non-specialists, it is a staple for anyone seeking informed scientific discourse.
Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot
A publication of the Handweavers Guild of America, Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot is a textile arts magazine covering spinning, dyeing, weaving, and fiber history. It combines technical instruction with explorations of cultural and historical fiber traditions.
Smithsonian
Published by the Smithsonian Institution, this magazine offers in-depth features on history, science, innovation, and the arts, reflecting the richness of the institution’s museums and research centers. It is known for its engaging storytelling and high production values.
Tribal
Tribal magazine is dedicated to the arts and cultures of Indigenous peoples, with a particular focus on traditional and contemporary tribal art from the Americas, Africa, Oceania, and Asia. It combines scholarly insight with market awareness, serving collectors, scholars, and museums.