Ray Johnson, Envelope from Ray Johnson, Black Mountain College, to Lorna Blaine Halper, 101 East 85th Street, New York City, postmark March 4, 1947, ink and tape on paper, 4 ¼ × 5 ⅝ inches. Black Mountain College Collection, gift of the Black Mountain College Project and Lorna Blaine Halper, 2012.26.129.01. © Ray Johnson Estate.
In the 1960s, artist Ray Johnson began to create small collages and drawings. He mailed them to friends and other artists. Sometimes he would ask them to add something and mail it back. What began as a simple and creative form of communication developed into what is now known as “mail art.”
In this time of isolation when we’re using the internet to keep in touch more than ever, consider slowing down and creating a simple piece of art to mail to a friend, family member, or a stranger who might be alone. This activity could be fun to do alone, with children, or with a group of friends online.
Materials:
- Create small pieces of mail art to brighten someone’s day. Gather some supplies, whatever you have:
- Pencils or pens
- Paper (writing paper, construction paper, printed paper)
- Glue or glue stick
- Paint
- Envelopes
- Scissors
- Magazine clippings
- Stamps
Activity:
Make art to fit inside your envelope! Decorate a handwritten letter or make a mini-masterpiece to send on its own.
If you’d like to share what you’ve created, mail your art to our friends at Food Experience who will include it along with the meals they are preparing for 12 Baskets Café. Meals are shared with members of our community each Tuesday and Thursday.
The Food Experience, Tony Franco
1501 Patton Ave. #2
Asheville, NC 28806
