Local publisher/journal Poor Claudia has successfully filed for nonprofit status.

The brain child of local writers/editors/designers Drew Swenhaugen and Marshall Walker Lee, Poor Claudia publishes two journals and four chapbooks a year. In an effort to expand their scope, the company is now a nonprofit. As a nonprofit, Poor Claudia hopes to expand its staff and operations, as well as secure funds previously unavailable.

Swenhaugen says that, as an entity, Poor Claudia will have more of a toehold in the community. In addition to becoming a nonprofit, Poor Claudia is establishing a physical presence by moving into a studio in Southeast Portland with their partner reading series Bad Blood and Zachary Schomburg’s Octopus Books. The space will host readings, workshops, and, once the letterpress goes in, facilitate production. They’ve dubbed it The Milk Shop.

Quality of product and innovative design is crucial to Poor Claudia’s ethos and aesthetic. Their new status will let them hire locals and print material in Portland, with the new studio centralizing business. Swenhaugen thinks Portland is ripe for an active and involved literary nonprofit. Controlling production will also let them expand and experiment with book arts.

To mark the occasion and give their funds a boost, Poor Claudia will be hosting a fundraiser at Holocene on Wednesday, September 28th, featuring bands, films, art, and readings. Admission is $5.