Hey, hi, and hello! It seems like we have only been back from the wonder that is Seaside Sessions for a few weeks - how time FLIES! Since wrapping up the tales of our creative explorations by the sea, we have actually been quite busy. Before the big reveal, here’s a bit of the backstory:

***The image that started an international incident (of Mail Art)***

Regular readers are aware that we launched a worldwide celebration for the occurrence of our 5th Seaside Sessions this year by hosting a Call for Mail Art. Lovingly titled “Celebration of Sapphire,” the origin story has appeared here before. The call ran from mid-July, 2025 through January 31st of 2026 (the deadline was extended in late November). Throughout the event, we posted the submissions that we received on all of our social media platforms (this Blog, Facebook [both our Business page and a public Group dedicated to the call], and Instagram). Further, there is an Album that contains all of the pieces and their titles and stories (if one was provided) on Facebook as well. In the early days, we thought that an online exhibit of each of the submissions would be extent of it.

***The visual greeting welcoming visitors to our Facebook group devoted to the Celebration of Sapphire***

However, a momentary encounter in a parking lot at another artists’ opening late this Spring combined with a simple question (“What if….” ) brought this project off the screen and into real life! In partnership with The Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County, we have been able to turn an online event into a gallery exhibit! The show, Celebration of Sapphire: Mail Art from Around the World, opened September 4th with a reception in the gallery and remains on display until October 25th.

The dynamic duo at the opening of *The Celebration of Sapphire - Mail Art from Around the World.*

We will be back with a look at the opening and loads more photos the first of next week! To everyone who submitted work to this effort: Thank You! Without you, there wouldn’t have been much of a celebration. To everyone who came out for the opening last Friday: Thank You! It was so lovely to see folks take in the volume of work (both the works on display and the work that went into getting them there) with “ooohs” and “ahhhs” of appreciation. To The Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County: Thank You! We are thrilled with how this whole thing has come together and so very happy to be able to share it with a larger audience in a globe-embellished gallery setting.

Until next time,
~ Penny & Michelle