14 Comments
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yilin's avatar

I have a penpal I've kept in touch with for almost twenty years and also a handful of internet and irl friends I regularly correspond with via snail mail. We don't send as much mail as we used to (adulting gets busy) but it's so special to still be able to receive physical, handwritten stuff in the mail. I absolutely adore this project of yours - so fun and also important in this day and age.

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Allie Sullberg's avatar

thank you! amazing you've had a pen pal for so long.

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Jane Porter's avatar

I love this! In my online comics class each term we do a zine swap by post, and it's a JOY to both get and post little treasures out into the world...

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Barbara Sand's avatar

I've heard of mail art and thought it would be fun to do but I didn't know about how or who started it. I want to try it with a couple friends if they're willing. I hope it will help me get 'unstuck' on other art projects I do. Thank you!

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Kristine Claghorn's avatar

I started a mail club a few months back and it’s been SO fulfilling — I love how playful this corresponDANCE get together you hosted looks. Makes me feel nostalgic and also reminds me of the important of in-person connection without screens. Thank you so much for sharing!

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Donal McKernan's avatar

My 11-year-old daughter makes this type of thing constantly and mails them to her friends. Nice to know this has a name and some history behind it.

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Allie Sullberg's avatar

love to hear that! what an awesome kid.

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Philosophy of She's avatar

I've been pretty into swap-bot & postcrossing lately. I send most of my mail art through there.

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Allie Sullberg's avatar

Never heard these terms before! what is swap bot and postcrossing?

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ELIZABETH EUBANKS's avatar

I just finished writing thank you notes to my daughters for Mother’s Day gifts in which I did quick sketches of the things they gave me. And this was before I read your great article! Thank you for this idea!

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Allie Sullberg's avatar

love that idea :)

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Cara Holland's avatar

I think an art pen pal sounds like a totally joyful idea 💡✏️ 🎨

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Kelley Clink (they/she)'s avatar

This is so timely! I’ve been obsessed with sending people snail mail lately, but this is the first I’m hearing of Fluxus and Ray Johnson, so looking forward to learning more. I recently made postcards of this silly digital collage to send to friends on May 5 (which also happens to be Karl Marx’s birthday) https://www.instagram.com/p/DJRoM3cxAZy/?igsh=MWxxd2EzbGFwaXdjeQ==

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Allie Sullberg's avatar

this is great!

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