Five Years Later: What the Mail Art Stories Project Taught Us About Connection
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since the world changed in ways we’re all still making sense of. In March 2020, many of us paused—some abruptly, some painfully—and tried to find ways to stay connected, stay hopeful, and stay human. In the middle of that collective uncertainty, a project was born that still feels like one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever been a part of: The Mail Art Stories Project.
What started as a simple invitation—to create and send a story through the mail—turned into a global, deeply moving collection of connection, resilience, and creativity.
Together with my co-creator Shannon Fitzgerald (in North Carolina), we invited people to share their experiences of life within the Covid-19 pandemic by decorating envelopes with personal reflections, images, and a few guiding words. And then send them out into the world, stamped and imperfect and real.
What followed was something truly special.
A Glimpse into Our Journey: A Timeline of The Mail Art Stories Project
April 2020
Shannon Fitzgerald of Hillsborough, NC and I (Erica Richmond of Peterborough, ON) launched the Mail Art Stories Project. We invited people around the world to share their stories of pandemic life by turning envelopes into art pieces. Each submission was to include three words or phrases, and be sent through the mail.
Before long, our mailboxes were full—vessels of heartache, celebration, longing, and joy. In total, we received 119 submissions from 52 individuals across 11 different countries.
Some highlights:
- Pen pals from Sri Lanka and Spain who met during Covid participated together.
- A young boy and his Granny, aching to be reunited, submitted stories side by side.
- One family created pieces together, making the project a shared act of expression and healing.
August 2021
After the submission window closed, we were left with overflowing shoeboxes of mail—and hearts full of gratitude. We dreamed of an art exhibit but knew it wasn’t yet possible. So, as self-published authors, we decided to create a coffee table book that would allow these stories to be shared and cherished.
April 2022
The book, The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19, was officially published. It received beautiful feedback from readers who found comfort and connection in its pages.
March 2023
The project debuted as an art exhibition at Thomas Stevens Gallery in Hillsborough, NC. It was a moving experience to see the mail displayed, each piece hanging with care, each story given space.
March 2024
The exhibition launched in Peterborough, ON at Watson & Lou. Visitors are invited to wander through the suspended mail, to read, to pause, to reflect.
In the exhibitions we ask the attendees:
→ How do these stories echo your own?
→ How has your life shifted since 2020?
→ What are you still carrying—and what have you let go of?
Visitors are encouraged to take a postcard and send it to someone they love—a small act of connection that still matters deeply.
Future Plans
Shannon and I hope to continue bringing the exhibition to other communities. And—we haven’t met in person yet! Our entire friendship has been built through snail mail, texts, and Zoom. One day soon, we hope to hug in real life.
Take a Moment to Reflect
As we mark this five-year milestone, I invite you to pause and reflect, too.
- What got you through those uncertain early days?
- What did you learn about your own strength, your creativity, your relationships?
- What pieces of that time are worth holding onto?
Whether or not you participated in our project, these stories–your stories–matter. They connect us. They help us heal. They remind us that we’re never alone in what we’re feeling.
Join the Letter Writing Challenge
To honour this five-year mark, I’m offering a free 5-day Letter Writing Challenge. It’s an invitation to put pen to paper again, to reflect, to reconnect with yourself or with someone else. No fancy stationery required. All you need is an open heart and a stamp.
To participate, sign up here.
Learn More + Get Your Copy
To learn more about the Mail Art Stories Project, view photos from the exhibitions, or to chat about brining The Mail Art Stories Project Exhibition to your community, visit Open Sky Stories.
To purchase your copy of the book visit my online store.
Follow The Mail Art Stories Project on Instagram.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for sharing stories. And thank you—for continuing to choose connection in a world that sometimes feels a little too disconnected.
Send more mail!
Erica
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Erica Richmond, the founder of Open Sky Stories believes that words have the power to provide connection & healing. Erica is public speaker and offers a variety of writing workshops and groups. Erica has published three books: Pixie and the Fox, Pixie and the Bees and The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19.
She lives in Peterborough, Canada embracing her beautiful, imperfect, and very messy life.
Follow Erica on Instagram for daily writing inspiration and real-life stories. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter and receive writing tips, inspiration, and creative projects.
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