Founding members of Cune Press: (from left) Mamoun Sakkal, Art Director; Scott C. Davis, Founder; (foreground) Elsa "Midge" Bowman, Editor.

Cune press was founded in May, 1994. Founding members were Elsa "Midge" Bowman, Mamoun Sakkal, and Scott C. Davis. The idea was to establish an imprint that a small group of artists and writers could use to put their work into print.

In February, 1996 Cune Magazine began with Portland writer Steven Schlesser as its Editor. Teresa Celsi, Portland graphic designer, formatted and constructed the original magazine.

In March, 1997 Cune Press released An Ear to the Ground: Presenting Writers from 2 Coasts. This collection of essays by new writers was an effort to bring the work of talented new writers to public attention.

In January, 1998 the Cune Press / Cune Magazine website was relaunched with a completely new format designed by Travis Beaven and with an electronic shopping cart (with credit card module) programmed by Seth Stroh.

In January, 1999 An Ear to the Ground was published in its entirety in the Booksonline portion of the Cune Press website.

In July, 1999 Cune Magazine was completely revised and relaunched with the playwright and novelist Cathryn Pisarski as Managing Editor and Steven Schelsser as Editor-in-Chief. Pisarski also designed and constructed the new magazine.

The History
of Cune Press