Mail me some art

other swaps and calls for entries

Oh MY - there are some fun mail-art related things going on in the world right now.
I meant to post this weeks ago, and now suddenly the very first of the deadlines is upon us, and I apologize for losing this in my drafts folder, but I'll include all of the links on the list anyway in case you are a speed demon.

#1 The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap
**You must register for this one TODAY - Wednesday September 25th, and you must have you postcard mailed to your partner by October 16th.** It's free to join!
Description from their website "Join in, make a stitched postcard and receive some gorgeous stitched loveliness in the post from somewhere else in the world! What’s not to love? You can use any materials you like (paper, ink, fabric, ephemera, ribbon etc) , and put it together anyway you like to make a postcard. You can include ‘stitches’ any way you like – with a machine or by hand, and you can either send your postcard as it is, or pop it in an envelope to protect it. For this swap the theme is… CELEBRATE! What is going on in your life that deserves celebrating? What are you grateful for? Or what ideas do you have for using your postcard to inspire someone else to celebrate? We want to see that on your stitched postcard!"

#2 Franklin Arts Center - "Postal" exhibit

"The Franklin Arts Center Resident Artists Gallery invites artists from all over the world to participate in our upcoming mail art exhibition titled, “POSTAL”. Everyone is welcome to participate in this exhibition, all ages and skill levels. This particular exhibition has an open theme, allowing artists to express their creativity and ideas to the fullest extent. "

DEADLINE - October 9, 2013 (All Mail Art submissions must arrive to the gallery by this date)

EXHIBITION - October 11 - November 6, 2013

#3 Call for entries for the "Ex Postal Facto" conference in San Francisco. The conference is a weekend long celebration of all things related to mail art (and I'm going!!!!). As part of the celebration, there will be an art exhibit "exploring the intersection between mail art and artists’ books, in whatever way, shape, or form that may take. Mail art, artistamps, artists’ books, and other artworks that can be mailed and relate to the theme of mail/art/books are encouraged."

POSTMARK DEADLINE: October 15th, 2013

FORMAT: Work must be sent directly through the postal service. Please apply postage directly to your work.

TECHNIQUE: All techniques and mediums accepted including mixed media, collage, montage, sculpture, painting, printmaking, photography, etc.

NON-RETURNABLE. NO ENTRY FEE. ALL WORK WILL BE SHOWN.

Documentation in the form of an address list and art zine will be sent to participating artists. Please include your mailing address. The San Francisco Center for the Book will produce a print catalog of the exhibit, which will be available for sale at the opening reception and throughout the show (February 14-April 30, 2014)

Click here to be taken to the "newsroom" page, and scroll down for the link that says "mail/art/book - call for entries" and you'll be able to download a word document with the submission details

#4 Twitter Art Exhibit
Twitter Art Exhibit: Orlando is an international exhibition of original postcard art benefiting The Center for Contemporary Dance, Special Needs Classes, it is the fourth installment of an open international exhibition of handmade postcard art for charity, donated by hundreds of participating artists from around the globe.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE February 21, 2014

The last three link aren't swaps of course, but they are fun, free, and non-juried ways to release your art into the world and have it seen by others.

Know of anything other big swaps/events that I should blog about?

White Postcard Swap - Due November 25th

Next up in our monochromatic color series is a challenging one– white.

I made these collages in a collage class and thought the assignment was going to be impossible, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised by how many different shades of white I found in magazine pages and amongst my collage fodder.

something about the scanner makes the colors look more grey than they actually are:

The challenge:

Create a postcard using predominantly shades of white.

It’s okay to include a wee bit of black or a small accent of another color, but overall, keep to the white family.

These postcards will be mailed without an envelope to your partner, so keep that in mind if you are gluing and embellishing.

Swap details:

create postcard-sized art (any dimensions) using mostly shades of white. All styles of art are welcome -you do not need to create collages or mixed media pieces. Feel free to draw, paint, sew, sculpt, digitize, etc.

make as many cards as you like - you will get back the same number you send

if you're sending me more than one, please make sure you insert waxed paper or parchment in between the cards so they don't get stuck together in the envelope

write “MMSA White” on the back of your card to remind your recipient why they are receiving this wonderful work of art in the mail

write your return address on the back of the postcard (in case of postal delivery problems) and your email address so the recipient can thank you. Consider adding a note or favorite quote for your partner.

include an address label for each card you create

include stamps for each card you create (or send me cash, or send me postal money via paypal)

international swappers are welcome - the postage cost is $1.10 per card (paypal account is iamrushmore@gmail.com)

Postage and Card Size
You are welcome to make any size postcard you want, but please pay attention to the following postal guidelines

In order to use the postcard rate (currently $.33) your card cannot be bigger than 4.25 x 6 inches, and it must be thin and flexible. A 4x6 card that is thick, lumpy or doesn't bend, needs more postage than one of those "apple" stamps
If your card is a rectangle bigger than a postcard, but still flat and flexible, a regular $.46 "forever" stamp is what you need.
If your card is an unusual shape (square, round) or is flexible but has some lumpy embellishments it will probably cost you the "non machinable" rate of $.66
If your card doesn't bend, the post office considers it a package and will cost $2.07 to mail.

Mail your cards no later than November 25th
Karen Isaacson
PO Box 532
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
United States

Food Postcards - Due November 18th

By the time this swap deadline rolls around, we’ll be heading into the holiday eating season. Let’s make some postcards that celebrate food!

Swap Details

create postcard-sized art that features food. All styles of art are welcome -you do not need to create collages or mixed media pieces. Feel free to draw, paint, sew, sculpt, digitize, etc.
make as many cards as you like - you will get back the same number you send
postcards will be mailed from my post office without envelopes so make sure whatever you create is sturdy enough to survive mail handling.
if you're sending me more than one, please make sure you insert waxed paper or parchment in between the cards so they don't get stuck together in the envelope
write “MMSA Food” on the back of your card to remind your recipient why they are receiving this wonderful work of art in the mail
write your return address on the back of the postcard (in case of postal delivery problems) and your email address so the recipient can thank you. Consider adding a note or favorite quote for your partner
include an address label for each card you create
include stamps for each card you create (or send me cash, or send me postal money via paypal)
international swappers are welcome - the postage cost is $1.10 per card (paypal account is iamrushmore@gmail.com)

Postage and Card Size
You are welcome to make any size postcard you want, but please pay attention to the following postal guidelines

In order to use the postcard rate (currently $.33) your card cannot be bigger than 4.25 x 6 inches, and it must be thin and flexible. A 4x6 card that is thick, lumpy or doesn't bend, needs more postage than one of those "apple" stamps
If your card is a rectangle bigger than a postcard, but still flat and flexible, a regular $.46 "forever" stamp is what you need.
If your card is an unusual shape (square, round) or is flexible but has some lumpy embellishments it will probably cost you the "non machinable" rate of $.66
If your card doesn't bend, the post office considers it a package and will cost $2.07 to mail.

Mail your cards no later than November 18th
Karen Isaacson
PO Box 532
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
United States

Bird Postcard Swap - Due November 12

I can’t believe I’ve been hosting swaps for a year and a half and we haven’t done a bird theme yet. I know birds have been über-trendy in the art world for years now, and maybe that’s why I’ve avoided it, but the truth is, I love birds and really don’t ever get tired of them. So let’s do it!

Swap Details

create postcard-sized art that features a bird (or birds). All styles of art are welcome -you do not need to create collages or mixed media pieces. Feel free to draw, paint, sew, sculpt, digitize, etc.
make as many cards as you like - you will get back the same number you send
postcards will be mailed from my post office without envelopes so make sure whatever you create is sturdy enough to survive mail handling.
if you're sending me more than one, please make sure you insert waxed paper or parchment in between the cards so they don't get stuck together in the envelope
write “MMSA Birds” on the back of your card to remind your recipient why they are receiving this wonderful work of art in the mail
write your return address on the back of the postcard (in case of postal delivery problems) and your email address so the recipient can thank you. Consider adding a note or favorite quote for your partner
include an address label for each card you create
include stamps for each card you create (or send me cash, or send me postal money via paypal)
international swappers are welcome - the postage cost is $1.10 per card (paypal account is iamrushmore@gmail.com)

Postage and Card Size
You are welcome to make any size postcard you want, but please pay attention to the following postal guidelines

In order to use the postcard rate (currently $.33) your card cannot be bigger than 4.25 x 6 inches, and it must be thin and flexible. A 4x6 card that is thick, lumpy or doesn't bend, needs more postage than one of those "apple" stamps
If your card is a rectangle bigger than a postcard, but still flat and flexible, a regular $.46 "forever" stamp is what you need.
If your card is an unusual shape (square, round) or is flexible but has some lumpy embellishments it will probably cost you the "non machinable" rate of $.66
If your card doesn't bend, the post office considers it a package and will cost $2.07 to mail.

Mail your cards no later than November 12th
Karen Isaacson
PO Box 532
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
United States

Superhero Postcard Swap - Due November 4th

Here’s another fabulous suggestion from the Swap Ideas page.

Create a postcard using the theme “Superheroes” as your inspiration.

You can feature your favorite superhero from a comic book/cartoon/movie or you can create your own superhero just for the occasion!

(for your amusement, two pieces of ridiculous superhero art I made for other reasons this year)

Swap Details:

create postcard-sized art (any dimensions) that features a superhero. All styles of art are welcome -you do not need to create collages or mixed media pieces. Feel free to draw, paint, sew, sculpt, digitize, etc.
make as many cards as you like - you will get back the same number you send
postcards will be mailed from my post office without envelopes so make sure whatever you create is sturdy enough to survive mail handling.
if you're sending me more than one, please make sure you insert waxed paper or parchment in between the cards so they don't get stuck together in the envelope
write “MMSA Superhero” on the back of your card to remind your recipient why they are receiving this wonderful work of art in the mail
write your return address on the back of the postcard (in case of postal delivery problems) and your email address so the recipient can thank you. Consider adding a note or favorite quote for your partner.
include an address label for each card you create
include stamps for each card you create (or send me cash, or send me postal money via paypal)
international swappers are welcome - the postage cost is $1.10 per card (paypal account is iamrushmore@gmail.com)

Postage and Card Size
You are welcome to make any size postcard you want, but please pay attention to the following postal guidelines

In order to use the postcard rate (currently $.33) your card cannot be bigger than 4.25 x 6 inches, and it must be thin and flexible. A 4x6 card that is thick, lumpy or doesn't bend, needs more postage than one of those "apple" stamps
If your card is a rectangle bigger than a postcard, but still flat and flexible, a regular $.46 "forever" stamp is what you need.
If your card is an unusual shape (square, round) or is flexible but has some lumpy embellishments it will probably cost you the "non machinable" rate of $.66
If your card doesn't bend, the post office considers it a package and will cost $2.07 to mail.

Mail your cards no later than November 4th
Karen Isaacson
PO Box 532
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
United States

Altered Business Cards - Due October 28th

This idea has come up several times on the “swap ideas” page so I thought we’d give it a try. Get your hands on a standard size business card (2”x3.5”) and use it as the base of your original artwork, but keep some element of the original business card visible.

SWAP DETAILS:

Alter a business card any way you wish. All styles and media welcome.

Make as many as you want. You’ll get back the same number you send.

Include your name and contact information on the back of your artwork (address and/or email and/or blog) so that you partner can thank you or find out more about you.

Stick it in an envelope with:

a mailing label with your name and address on it (I will stick it on the envelope I mail back to you. In fact I will try to reuse your original envelope in the interest of conservation and recycling!)
Postage: send stamps or money equal to the amount it cost you to mail your envelope to me.

Mail it to me no later than October 28th (postmark date)

             Karen Isaacson
             PO Box 532
             Shrewsbury, MA 01545
             United States

I will post your work to the blog when I receive it. If you would like your image linked to your website, or blog, or flickr account, or facebook page (or whatever) just send me a note telling me how you want it linked. (this is a great way to meet other artists and make lots of new friends)

Brown Postcard swap - due October 21st

Next up in our monochromatic color series - brown!

I think brown is entirely under-appreciated. It’s the color of chocolate! And Coffee! And many adorable furry animals! What’s not to love?

create a postcard using predominantly shades of brown. It’s okay to include a bit of black or white, or a small accent of another color, but overall, keep to the brown family.
All styles of art are welcome -you do not need to create collages or mixed media pieces. Feel free to draw, paint, sew, sculpt, digitize, etc.
make as many cards as you like - you will get back the same number you send
postcards will be mailed from my post office without envelopes so make sure whatever you create is sturdy enough to survive mail handling.
if you're sending me more than one, please make sure you insert waxed paper or parchment in between the cards so they don't get stuck together in the envelope
write “MMSA Brown” on the back of your card to remind your recipient why they are receiving this wonderful work of art in the mail
write your return address on the back of the postcard (in case of postal delivery problems) and your email address so the recipient can thank you. Consider adding a note or favorite quote for your partner.
include an address label for each card you create
include stamps for each card you create (or send me cash, or send me postal money via paypal)
international swappers are welcome - the postage cost is $1.10 per card (paypal account is iamrushmore@gmail.com)

Postage and Card Size
You are welcome to make any size postcard you want, but please pay attention to the following postal guidelines

In order to use the postcard rate (currently $.33) your card cannot be bigger than 4.25 x 6 inches, and it must be thin and flexible. A 4x6 card that is thick, lumpy or doesn't bend, needs more postage than one of those "apple" stamps
If your card is a rectangle bigger than a postcard, but still flat and flexible, a regular $.46 "forever" stamp is what you need.
If your card is an unusual shape (square, round) or is flexible but has some lumpy embellishments it will probably cost you the "non machinable" rate of $.66
If your card doesn't bend, the post office considers it a package and will cost $2.07 to mail.

Mail your cards no later than October 21st

Karen Isaacson
PO Box 532
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
United States

self portraits part 2

I really want to applaud all of you who took part in the self-portrait swap. In the messages on your cards, on your blogs, in your emails to me, you let it be known this was a tough challenge. One you almost skipped. Work you almost didn't send.

I'm so glad you all played along!

It's been a joy to see the way you all represent yourselves on these cards, and to get to know you a little better.

from Carroll: