Have you ever visited a mail art exhibit? Are you familiar with the form?
Generically, mail art is anything that can be or is sent via the postal system to a specific destination. These days, it refers to “found art” sent in response to a general call for submissions. Some come from professional artists, others may be as simple as a child’s drawing on an envelope or a post card.
The folks at R.A. Fountain General Store and Internet Cafe in the town of Fountain, NC are set to open a bluegrass mail art exhibit on October 1, running for the next three years in celebration of the IBMA hosting its World of Bluegrass convention in Raleigh. The store specializes in bluegrass music, and offers CDs and books from regional and national bluegrass artists. They also accommodate live performances from East Carolina bands several nights each month.
Alex Albright, who runs the store with his wife Elizabeth, tells us they are still accepting pieces for the exhibit, which they call Bluegrass Rural Routes. Submissions to date include a number of line drawings, printed cards, and even mixed media composition with a piece of bread in plastic wrap from Spain. The exhibit will be on display through October 2016.
Everyone is welcome to visit and see what people have sent, and further pieces are welcome. All entries must be sent via US Mail to:
Bluegrass Mail Art/ R.A. Fountain
PO Box 44
Fountain, NC 27829
But don’t stop by during the Wide Open Bluegrass festival the first weekend of October. The Albrights will be in Raleigh enjoying the music.
