The Original Magazine (also known as The Original) is a semiannual magazine covering the arts scene in Pittsburgh.[2] Founded in 2006 by Elana Schlenker as a nonprofit organization, The Original is supported by the Sprout Fund, and grants from various departments at the University of Pittsburgh, and The Original Hot Dog Shop.[2] Printed copies are distributed free of charge throughout the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, including coffee shops, art galleries, and bookstores.[3] The staff, mostly students, numbers around 50.[1] The magazine publishers hold an annual "Arts and Crap Fair", allowing local artists to showcase and sell their work.[4]
Over 300 people attended the magazine's 2007 issue's release party.[5] The magazine's cover and table of contents design has received awards from the College Media Advisers.[1][3] The magazine was displayed by the Pittsburgh American Institute of Graphic Arts during CONTEXT 2007, its annual graphic design showcase.[3] In 2007, the University of Pittsburgh Student Government named The Original the "Best New Student Group".[3]
