Post cards plus.

What drives an individual to want to be an artist? Does sharing enter into the creating of art? How do we, as an audience or viewer of art, react or respond to art? Could we go further into showing our appreciation? How? At the same time, could we demonstrate a more personal type of appreciation to the artists? These and other questions inspired upper elementary students to initiate the Post Card Art Exchange.

As the project developed, we discussed how we communicate with people who are far and near. Some of these ways include computers, fax machines, telephones, videos, tapes, letters, notes, and postcards. The idea to make works of art on postcards and to send them to other artists excited the students. Questions like, "What art media was good for an original postcard?", caused further discussions. Long lists of subject matter - houses, birds, seasonal scenes, fish, people, portraits, pure design - were written on the chalk board. Then, a list of media - crayons, colored pencils, oil crayons, paints, collage - was created.

Guidelines for the Project

There were only two limitations, the size, which was 3 x 5" (8 x 13 cm), and no written message, just the message of the visual statement. Each student was given an artist's name and address, and each student sent at least two of her or his own original postcards to her or his artist. An art teacher need not have access to a large number of artists. Students could send their postcards to local politicians, sports figures, merchants, teachers, school children, or a any local leader. This not only would have the children sharing but also would cause community leaders to take note of the art program and how such a program reaches out beyond the school walls.

Once the artwork began, three sixth grade students and I wrote the following letter, which was sent to 150 state-wide artists, former students dents who are practicing artists, and artists who have exhibited their work at Maple Dale School.

Dear artist, The enclosed postcard art piece was completed by an art student in fourth through sixth grade.

The reasons for this card being sent to you are twofold. First and foremost, it is a "thank you" for the years that you have given, for sharing your creativity, and for keeping the visual arts alive in our state. Second, it is to initiate a trade with you. We would like to put up a month-long exhibit in November of this school year. This exhibit will feature postcard art from the many, many artists who are also receiving a similar offer.

The children and I ask you to please participate in this activity. The size and success of this endeavor is totally dependent on your positive response. The children are excited about this "sharing."

Over the past thirty-six years, I have tried to endorse, highlight, and features Wisconsin artists. This is said to urge you to participate in this endeavor. I am thanking you in advance for the children and the school. Thank you.

Response from Local Artists

The response from the artists was terrific. Many of them wrote special notes to their new postcard art friends. A postcard art exchange display was put up for all to see. The artists who responded received an invitation to visit the exhibit, and many did visit. After the exhibit was taken down, the students kept their artist's work. Some artists returned more than one art piece to the students. The school kept the extra art pieces, framed them, and hung them in the library with a description of the activity.

There were many other learning situations in this activity. However, in my opinion, the self-satisfaction of the act of sharing and the value of creating were the greatest lessons. Possibly for the professional artists, too.