Mail Art: How to Start a Mail Art Exchange

Mail art is the most generous art movement there is: you make something small, put a stamp on it and send it to someone you may never meet. It has thrived since the 1960s, from Ray Johnson's correspondence network to today's swaps on social media, because it needs nothing more than paper and postage.

The traditional rules

Open mail art calls tend to follow three principles: no fees, no jury, no returns. Anyone can participate, every piece received is exhibited, and the work stays with the organizer, who usually documents the show online so everyone can see it.

Running your own exchange

1. Pick a theme and a formatA theme sparks ideas ("windows," "desert," "letters never sent"); a format, like postcards or 6×9 envelopes, keeps the show coherent.
2. Set a deadlineEight to ten weeks gives international mail time to arrive.
3. Write the callInclude the theme, size, deadline, mailing address, the "no fees, no jury, no returns" statement and where the work will be shown.
4. Spread itArt groups, schools, libraries, coffee shops and social media.
5. Exhibit everythingClip pieces to wire, pin them in a grid or fill a wall with envelopes, and photograph every entry.
6. Send documentationA link to the online gallery is the customary thank-you.

Making mail art that survives the post

• Postcards must be rectangular and within your postal service's card dimensions to travel at the postcard rate. Larger or odd shapes need letter postage, and possibly a non-machinable surcharge.
• Keep the address clearly legible on a light area, with the stamp in the upper right.
• Avoid loose glitter, pins and anything that could snag sorting machines. Seal collage elements with acrylic medium.
• Rubber stamps, linocut postcards and stitched envelopes all travel well. See how to print a linoleum block for a postcard edition.

Want to send us something?

We welcome small works, postcards and correspondence for future exchange exhibitions. Get in touch through the contact page or at info@heathergreenstudios.com for the current mailing address and theme.

Questions