In the ultra-abridged version, the story would look like this: we had a neat idea, we did the cool thing, we asked if someone else would like to be a part of the cool thing as way to make the existing cool thing even bigger/better/seen by more people, and the answer was “yes.” And like magic, this sequence of events created a WHOLE new COOL THING!
The ultimate collaboration: the world, The Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County, and us - Your Creative Connection - bringing the world of Mail Art to Fayetteville, NC.
Of course, however, there were many more steps in the story than that! Once the Call was issued, there was the waiting: would people participate? …would there be mail from the world? …would we get “enough”? Well….
…yes, Yes, and YES! While the submissions came in fits and starts, people (from near and far, known and unknown) did participate. We did indeed get mail from all over the globe! By the end of all the waiting, we had more than 100 pieces of Mail Art (definitely “enough”).
Every submission received was charted on a World Map that greeted visitors at the end of the “journey.”
The next challenge? To assemble the works entrusted to us in a way that both told the story behind the Celebration as well as highlighting the unique creativity that is Mail Art. Based on our observations of folks engaging with the works that make up this blue-hued exhibit, we would say we managed to do exactly what we set out to.
In addition to the incredible array of artwork that made up the exhibit, we also provided information on the history of Mail Art, a look at the life of the humble (and storied) Postcard, and the various things that Mail Art is/does.
While greeting visitors and enjoying introductions from the leadership at The Arts Council, we were also treated throughout the evening to the musical contributions of T.L. Weaver (the wonderfully talented husband of Penny) who debuted a new song entitled “We” that deftly expressed the human connection embodied by the exhibit.
Sarah Busman (VP Arts Council Fayetteville and Cumberland County), TL Weaver, and Visitors Applaud
It was a magical evening, to be sure. We are eternally grateful to: each of the artists who submitted work to this effort, to The Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County for partnering with us to bring the show to the public in conjunction with The International Folk Festival, to TL Weaver for sharing his music throughout the opening reception, and to everyone who came out to kick off the exhibit. Finally, our thanks to Raul Rubiera Photography (Photographer Extraordinaire) and Sylvia (GBaby) Cohen who so beautifully captured the images featured in this post.
Finally, for anyone who would like to virtually experience the wonderment that is The Celebration of Sapphire - Mail Art from Around the World, we have included a video walk-through of the whole exhibit…as if you had just entered the gallery from the Hay Street entrance to the Arts Center. Here is a look at what all of the still photos cannot capture:
Until next time, with full hearts and happy minds,
~ Michelle & Penny
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