The last ten years in American culture have incapsulated a period of social, political, and economic upheaval and volatility. Consequently, this collection of more than 50 writers in shelters, hospitals, behavioral health centers, addiction recovery programs, jails, youth services, prison reentry homes, and public libraries serves as a literary time capsule, not only for our contributors, but for all of us. The harsh realities of wealth disparity, childhood trauma, sexual violence, drug and alcohol addiction, disability and racial prejudices are all too common for the people we encounter, and our workshops aim to provide community, an expressive outlet, and therapeutic skills for ongoing insight and empowerment. Additionally, this journal is intended to be a versatile instrument: Artifact: A human-made object of historical value. Art. If. (F)act. Creativity. Questions. Truth? Action? What we have hoped to achieve is not only a lasting archive, but a provocative piece inspiring new art, ideas, and possibilities.