80 artists create 'Love Letters' for a summer show at Groveland Gallery

Opening Friday: In these days of Facebook and text messaging, the notion of communicating by post seems a bit quaint and way too slow. For official documents and important sentiments, though, there's nothing like an old-fashioned letter. Which is why St. Paul artist/architect Peter Kramer curated a show of "Love Letters From Artists." Eighty area artists and letter-writers contributed missives addressed to lost loves, imaginary friends, long-dead revolutionaries, historic creatives and undefinable others. Participants include Amy Rice (whose charming "swan mail" is pictured), Ann Ledy, Betsy Byers, Brian Frink, Carolyn Swiszcz, L.K. Hanson, Jodie Ahern, John Ilg, Jon Neuse, John Schuerman, Mike Norman, Philip Rickey, Harriet Bart, Dan Wilson, Anne Labovitz, Joyce Lyon and Larry Welo. They drew, painted, collaged, colored, calligraphed, designed and otherwise garnished their correspondence in ways worthy of special attention. The letters were, of course, delivered to the gallery by post and, if purchased, will be delivered to their new owners in the same manner. Surely Benjamin Franklin, the first U.S. postmaster general, would approve. (June 12-Aug. 15 from noon-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. Free. Opening party 5-8 p.m. Fri. Groveland Gallery, 25 Groveland Terrace, Mpls. 612-377-7800, grovelandgallery.com.)

Mary Abbe