In Exchange: Artist Trading Cards, Post Cards or Mail Art

HELLO FELLOW MAIL ARTISTS - I WORKED ON THIS PROJECT WITH ART INSTRUCTOR BARBARA BURNS LAST SEMESTER WITH HER HIGH SCHOOL ART CLASS IN ALBERTA CANADA AND HAD SO MUCH FUN EXCHANGING WITH THE STUDENTS, I THOUGHT I WOULD EXTEND THE OFFER TO YOU. I KNOW THEY WOULD GET A KICK FROM RECEIVING MAILART FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

ALL OF THE INFO IS BELOW: CONTACT BARBARA BURNS DIRECTLY AT: burns-27@hotmail.com OR ON MYSPACE AT: http://www.myspace.com/barbaraburns

***** PLEASE NOTE: If you had difficulty with the above email address, It has been corrected.


I would like you to be involved in my next Adventure in Art with my students!!!!

I like to see my students' Art work go beyond the classroom, as I believe 'Art is everywhere.' My students work has been seen from light posts, in hospitals, on the streets, decorated store's bags, renewed furniture and walls. … and so much more.

I've called this next project: "In Exchange." I did this with my students, from last semester, and they LOVED it!!! My students will be creating a series of works; the work will be Artist Trading Cards, Post Cards or Mail Art. From this series, they will send out one piece to another artist. From there, the recipient artist will create a work and send it to the student… thus 'in exchange.' Participating artists came from throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Here's the "Who, What, When, How, Where….?"

WHO: My High School Art students (Grades 10 and 11) and you (if you graciously accept!).

WHAT: A student will send you a card (Artist Trading Card, Post Card or a Mail Art work) and you will send that particular student a card in return (Artist Trading Card, Post Card or a Mail Art work). Work is created in the artist's own style, favorite media or in experimentation. Draw, paint, print, combine media, collage, sew, recycle materials… the choices are unlimited…. Be creative and have fun!

What are Artist Trading Cards? They are like other trading cards; same size (2.5" x 3.5"), image on one side and info on the back. The main differences are each Artist Trading Card is an original mini work of art and they are not to be sold (exchanged/traded only). The information on the back has 5 'statistics:' the artist's name, title of the work, theme (if there is one), edition (if more than one work was created around a theme, concern, subject or treatment) and the year it was created.

What are Post Cards? They are like other post cards: same size (we are making ours: 3.5" x 5"), image on one side and address/note on the back. The main difference is that each Post Card is an original work. The information on the back will have the usual post card additives (name and address of recipient, stamp(s), personal note…), as well as the artist's name, title of the work and the year it was created. If you choose to create a Post Card, please note that it won't be sent in an envelope as it is a post card. Therefore attachments (i.e. things glued on) may be dislodged or go missing in the mailing process.

What are Mail Art Works? This is an original work of art that is placed in an envelope and mailed to the recipient. Often the envelopes are altered (painted, drawn, printed on) as well. We are making the size of our Mail Art works 3.5" x 6" (up to 8.5")… this way they fit in the envelopes!!! On the back of the piece is the artist's name, title of the work and the year it was created. If you choose, you may also write a personal note (like a post card).

WHEN: My students have ended this unit (and we were focusing on the Elements and Principles of Design/Alberta Art 20 Curriculum). Begin your work (i.e. play) now, or wait until a student sends you their work. Do whatever works best for you!!!

HOW: If you choose to participate in this exchange, please let me know via: (Barbara Burns http://www.myspace.com/barbaraburns ) or email me directly at:bburns-27@hotmail.com . Also, if you would like to create more than one "In Exchange" work, please let me know. I will assume that each participant will create one "In Exchange" work unless I'm notified otherwise.

Since this is "In Exchange" art through the postal service, you will also need to provide me with your mailing address (which will only be used for this purpose). From all of the participants, your name will be drawn out by a student. We (my students and I) will send out our work first. The Artist Trading Card or Mail Art will be placed in an envelope and mailed to you, while the Post Card will be sent as is. Once you receive a work from my student, please address your "In Exchange" piece to the student and mail it out.

WHERE: Once you are confirmed as a participant, I will email you the address of the school (it is in Alberta, Canada!!!!!).

I hope that you will consider being part of this "New Art Adventure" that my students and I are embarking. Hope to hear from you!!!