Art
New book by Peterborough writer uses 'mail art' to capture personal stories about pandemic life – kawarthaNOW.com
Peterborough writer Erica Richmond is about to release a book featuring mail art collected during the first 18 months of the pandemic.
Richmond collaborated with artist and author Shannon Fitzgerald of Hillsborough, North Carolina on The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19, which showcases 119 decorated envelopes and postcards received from 52 people from 11 different countries around the world.
Mail art, also known as postal art and correspondence art, began in the 1960s when artists sent postcards inscribed with poems or drawings through the mail rather than exhibiting them. It has since developed into a global movement that continues today.
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Richmond, founder of Open Sky Stories in Peterborough, partnered with Fitzgerald of Bold Moves Studios in April 2020 to ask people to share their stories of life during the pandemic, by mailing pieces of art with the suggested addition of three words or phrases.
“Early in the first lockdown, I sat in my house and contemplated how I might be able to help others who were feeling isolated and scared around the world,” Fitzgerald says in a media release. “That’s how the idea for this project was born.”
Over the next 18 months, Richmond and Fitzgerald mailboxes became “vessels of heartache, celebration, and much desired connection,” according to the media release.
“In all the stories that were shared, there was an overwhelming cry for connection that often felt met by this simple act of sending mail to complete strangers,” Richmond says.
While some of the submissions were from people experienced with mail art, others were creating it for the first time.
Richmond and Fitzgerald received submissions from people who became pen pals during the pandemic and chose to participate together, from a family who created mail art as a team, and from a young boy and his grandmother who were missing each other.
The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19 will be released on Wednesday (April 20) and can be purchased through Amazon, openskystories.com, or boldmovesstudio.com. The book will also soon be available through any bookstore through the independent publishing platform IngramSpark.
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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