Rooted in Creativity, Grown by Community
The Main ARTery was originally founded as a bi-monthly creativity journal serving the Quad-State Region of Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Between 2006 and 2008, it became a lively platform where artists, writers, photographers, and thinkers came together to share their work and spark conversations across communities.
Born from a desire to give creative individuals a voice beyond traditional galleries and literary circles, The Main ARTery published everything from fine art features and poetry to creative nonfiction and photography portfolios.
As time passed, The Main ARTery evolved beyond its original publication roots. It expanded into publishing books and artistic projects, including the highly regarded Sir Real and the Aquarium by Virginia artist Dave Curtis, and memoirs such as Transcending Coincidence by David Frederick Heatwole.
Today, The Main ARTery continues its mission: to publish, promote, and support original voices, visually stunning works, and deeply human stories — while embracing the spirit of creativity wherever it leads.
History of The Main ARTery
Our Story
For David F. Heatwole, the founder of The Main ARTery, the love of storytelling and art was woven into life from the beginning. Raised at the elbow of his sculptor father, David spent his childhood wandering through galleries and exhibitions, mesmerized by the visions of the world’s greatest fantasy and science fiction artists. It was here, amid the smell of paint and the hum of creativity, that the spark of publishing first took hold.
As an avid young reader, devouring science fiction, fantasy, and art books, David's imagination stretched far beyond the walls of the classroom. In high school, he helped launch Splinters of the Mind, the school’s first literary arts journal, and served as its art editor. He wasn’t afraid to challenge tradition either — during his time on the yearbook staff, he pushed to change the long-standing black-and-white cover into the first full-color design in the school's history, featuring his own artwork under the theme "One Good Turn Deserves Another."
Though life pulled him into many creative paths, the publishing dream never left. In his late twenties, while working as one of three editors for The Loudoun Arts Journal in Virginia, David recognized a deeper need: a platform that truly celebrated artistic vision without boundaries. With courage and conviction, he announced in Issue 2 the creation of a bold new venture — The Main ARTery.
Today, The Main ARTery stands as a living extension of that early passion: a home for artists, writers, and visionaries whose voices demand to be heard. It’s a place where creativity is more than expression — it’s the heartbeat that keeps imagination alive
Some dreams start early — and never let go
Vision for the Future
The Main ARTery was born from a simple but powerful idea: to create a platform where creative voices could be heard, seen, and celebrated. Today, that mission burns brighter than ever.
Our vision for the future is to revive and expand the ARTery initiatives, building a dynamic publishing platform that embraces both traditional and experimental forms of storytelling — across visual art, literature, biography, and beyond.
We are reimagining The Main ARTery as a living network of creativity:
· Publishing new works by emerging and established artists and writers
· Producing art books, memoirs, and creative nonfiction that challenge, inspire, and transform
· Launching collaborative projects that blend image, word, and imagination in exciting new ways
· Hosting calls for artists, storytellers, and dreamers to contribute to special themed editions and creative challenges
We believe the world needs more spaces where true creativity is not just tolerated — but championed. Where artists are invited to push the edges, to dream bigger, and to find their audience.
The Main ARTery is not just a publication. It’s a movement. And it’s just getting started.
Get in touch
304)283-1902
Info@themainartery.com