Two years and out: Sandbox mag of Winnipeg publishes final issue

Sandbox, a Winnipeg-based online and print magazine about local art, fashion and lifestyle, will publish its final issue January 30. The magazine only last summer was named best new magazine of the year at the Western Magazine Awards.

"In just two years, Sandbox has become more than just a magazine," said editor Jeffrey Vallis in a Facebook post. "It’s become a community of talented and creative local artists that will live on far beyond the final issue. Sandbox has given us all an outlet to foster the sentiment that lead us to launch the magazine in the first place: Winnipeg is truly amazing. Thank you to our most faithful readers and fans, and to our incredible, tireless team of contributors."

The final issue will be available exclusively at McNally Robinson Booksellers in the Grant Park Shopping Centre and a farewell party is being held at the Winnipeg Art Gallery January 28. 

According to a post on the blog ChrisD Sandbox was launched in 2010 by Vallis and Braden Alexander and funded by newsstand sales, ads and proceeds from magazine release parties. To celebrate its first anniversary last December, the publishers put out a mammoth 108-page special print issue (shown). Sandbox appeared four times a year in print and 8 times online.

“Our dream was to see the magazine in print –– just once –– even if it meant maxing out our student loans to do it,” [said Vallis] “But when that day finally came, we weren’t ready to stop at just one and, thankfully, neither were our readers. Considering we did it all with no money, minimal time and a makeshift office in our parents’ basements, we couldn’t be more proud.”