Dappled Things Magazine

Dappled Things Magazine is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Catholic art and literature. Founded in 2005, it serves as a quarterly journal of ideas, art, and faith, featuring essays, fiction, poetry, interviews, reviews, and visual art.

History and Mission

Dappled Things was established by a group of college friends, primarily from the University of Pennsylvania, with the mission to create a platform for exploring and celebrating beauty in the context of Catholic tradition. The magazine seeks to transcend modern banality by focusing on works that inspire contemplation of truth and beauty.

Content and Features

The magazine publishes a wide range of content, including fiction, poetry, essays, and visual art. It also hosts annual contests such as the J.F. Powers Prize for Short Fiction and the Jacques Maritain Prize for Nonfiction. These contests aim to foster literary and artistic excellence within the Catholic literary community.

Notable Recognition

Dappled Things is recognized as a hub for the new renaissance in Catholic art and literature. It has been described as an invaluable forum for a new generation of writers and artists by notable literary figures.

Structure and Distribution

The magazine is available in both print and digital formats, allowing it to reach a diverse audience interested in Catholic art and literature. It also maintains a blog called Deep Down Things to extend and deepen the conversations initiated by its publications.

Cultural Impact

By focusing on beauty, goodness, and truth, Dappled Things aims to reshape the cultural narrative, providing an alternative to the negativity often prevalent in modern media. Its influence extends beyond the literary world, promoting Catholic cultural heritage and a distinctive aesthetic that invites readers to contemplate deeper values.