07/02/2026
😊 I don’t usually post the Editor’s Message from the magazine on social media, but in light of the upcoming 250th anniversary of this experiment called America, I wanted to share some thoughts on a snapshot in time. Download the full magazine at: https://online.fliphtml5.com/icgleh/gwkr/. Below is the text of the Message:
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of Entertainment & Creative Arts Magazine! Happy 4th of July! Happy 250th Birthday, America! Congratulations to whomever wins the World Cup! And of course, congratulations to the New York Knicks!
Preparing the cover for this issue made me reflective about the upcoming holiday in the U.S., and the state of not only this country but of the world. What role can entertainment and the arts play in connecting people across all nationalities, cultures, political persuasions, sexual orientations, religions, economic statuses, etc.?
As I’ve watched celebrations for sports teams over this past month, I’ve seen something on the faces of every day people that I haven’t seen in a while ... pure joy. And not just momentary joy, but a soulful happiness that lasts beyond the moment. The type of happiness that makes you want others to be as happy as you are. Connectivity.
Seeing people laughing, smiling and shedding tears of joy felt like letting out a deep breath after holding it in for so long. It seemed slightly weird to reconnect with these observations and emotions. It was such a relief and comfort to realize that we have not lost the “spirit” of humanity. We are not alone in wanting to continue that spirit in these difficult times. If entertainment and the arts can generate such connectivity now, then that is our mission as artists and entertainers.
This issue features an interview with acclaimed artist, Philomena Marano. Philomena talks about her papier colle’ artwork as well as her major work in her days in New York with revitalizing Coney Island.
We also have the final installation of our interview with media analyst, journalist and author, Eric Deggans, in our limited series “Our Voices.” This installment focuses on Eric’s advice to new journalists.
Our resident licensed therapist and photographer contributor, Heidi Straube, has written article for the “Creative Inspiration” section about her road trip from Cape Cod to Texas, and compares it to how creatives can get inspired by thinking of each day as a new road trip of life.
The Creatively Legal section features a full discussion on what the benefit is for celebrities to have so many trademarks. It’s not about vanity, it’s about being business savvy.
Finally as with each issue, we include lists of events and conference that creatives may be interested in that are happening in July throughout the U.S. and the world.
Have a great July! Follow us on social media and become a subscriber of the magazine! [subscribe at: https://e4dxibydq.sellfy.store/]
– Ama
