This workshop has three sessions - on March 7, 21 and 28.

This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the practice of mail art as a collaborative and time-based artistic process involving sender, postal system, and receiver.

Led by acclaimed Finnish artist Riitta Ikonen ahead of her exhibition at the American Swedish Institute, the workshop invites participants to work with everyday materials and found ephemera to create postcard-sized artworks intended for mailing.

During the full-day session (includes a 30–45 minute lunch break), participants receive an introduction to the history and contemporary contexts of mail art, followed by guided studio time. Each participant will create up to three postcards, including one work to be sent to the Finnish Postal Museum as part of a dedicated exhibition documenting the journey of the artworks from New York to Finland.

In advance of the workshop, participants are invited to collect a hand-created mail art postcard by Riitta Ikonen from a designated “mailbox” at Scandinavia House. The postcard provides conceptual prompts and practical guidance for observing and gathering materials from daily life, offering participants the opportunity to experience mail art as recipients prior to making their own works.

All materials, postage, and addresses are provided. No prior experience is required. Can’t make it on this date? No worries! This is a repeating workshop, and will also have sessions on March 21 and 28.