In 2016, the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild began its mission to support regional writers through craft talks, writing residencies, readings, and other high-impact community initiatives. Within a year, guild members suggested that a regional publication seemed a natural expansion of these activities, and thus, Barstow & Grand was born. The Guild is a member of the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission, and an affiliate partner of the Pablo Center at the Confluence and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Foundation.

The Chippewa Valley is the part of Western Wisconsin that lies in the watershed of the Chippewa River, and it contains numerous cities and towns, including Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, and Altoona. Eau Claire is the largest, and the intersection of Barstow Street and Grand Avenue lies in the middle of downtown Eau Claire. This particular intersection also represents an interesting occurrence that is taking place throughout the valley–an artistic rejuvenation, a balancing of history and progress to bring new energy to the area and its residents. Barstow and Grand used to house Woolworth's and numerous other important businesses. Now it's home to the Eau Claire Children's Museum and the newly renovated Lismore Hotel.

This intersection, then, works as a metaphor for what we hope to accomplish with this journal. The heart of the community. Progress rooted in history and tradition. Artistic energy and rejuvenation.