Art Postcard Campaign Launched to Support Local Charities

DEDHAM, MA - Dedham's Legacy Place recently unveiled "Art Post," a participatory art experience which will feature illustrated postcards created by celebrated local artists. Every few months, Legacy Place will partner with a different artist to create a seasonal, unique, limited-edition, and complimentary postcard available to all Legacy Place guests. With each new season of "Art Post," Legacy Place will align with a different charity to generate support and donations for that organization. Shoppers who stop by Legacy Place's "Art Post" box, a custom-designed weathertight mailbox located in front of philanthropy-driven Kendra Scott jewelry store at Legacy Place, can pick up a postcard to mail, collect, or share with a friend or loved one.

The first "Art Post" postcard features a colorful illustration from New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, Peter H. Reynolds who is a local Dedham resident and long-time cultural beacon within the community. Working together with his brother and former 2-term Dedham Selectman Paul Reynolds, they sketched a postcard promoting hope and community in challenging times. The artwork includes a perforated, pop-out heart, which postcard recipients can then share with someone else in need of support - further amplifying the impact of the message of compassion during this challenging time.

This postcard, available now through spring, will support the Dedham COVID-19 Relief Fund, an organization doing tremendous work for those in the area who have suffered job loss and other setbacks created by the pandemic. This pairing will help provide exposure and drive donations through inclusion on the postcard, Legacy Place's website, digital collateral, social media, and more.

Reynolds explains,"I was immediately drawn to the partnership with the Dedham COVID-19 Relief Fund and the theme of hope and community. As I like to say, 'When the going gets tough, the creative gets going!' and that's why this partnership with Legacy Place means so much to me. When the business community in Dedham comes together to tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges, I know our creative problem-solving can make a big difference. I'm honored to be part of this initiative, and I hope that everyone in the community rallies to support the Dedham COVID-19 Relief Fund."

General Manager of Legacy Place Christa Seychew shares, "With the recent boom in direct mail, pen-pals, and stationery, we believe a postcard is the perfect medium to spread heartfelt, creative messages. As we celebrate hope, community, and taking care of one another with the first edition of Art Post, we are proud to support the Dedham C-19 Relief Fund and hope we inspire others to give back in a meaningful way." The Dedham COVID-19 Relief Fund was established by the Town of Dedham in partnership with United Way of Massachusetts Bay to help individuals and families who have been financially impacted by this coronavirus pandemic with a focus on the community’s most economically-vulnerable citizens.

In a recent study conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office, 66% of respondents have sent, or would send mail, to family and friends, 65% of respondents said that receiving mail lifts their spirits, and 61% said mail is "extra special in a time of social distancing." In another study led by the U.S. Postal Service, Gen Z (8-23 year olds) communicated they prefer the traditional act of mailing cards and handwritten letters over digital communication methods for sending wishes or congratulations. The study also showed that receiving physical mail, such as a postcard, makes them feel happier than receiving video calls, emails, or texts.

The inaugural postcard by Peter H. Reynolds is now available at the "Art Post" mailbox located on the sidewalk in front of Kendra Scott and across from Banana Republic at Legacy Place.

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