The Ogden Ar(t)chives Mailbox Favorite 

The Ogden Ar(t)chives Mailbox is a community project that was initiated by Ogden poet, Angelika Brewer. The project involves a metal sculpture of a mailbox, which has various decorative elements such as a typewriter, a birdcage, and a heart. The mailbox serves as a platform for the public to submit their creative works such as poems, drawings, letters, or anything that can fit in an envelope. These submissions are then archived and transformed into art pieces by Brewer and other artists.

The Ogden Ar(t)chives Mailbox is a unique and innovative way of collecting and showcasing the creativity and diversity of Ogden's residents. It was initiated by Brewer with the aim of creating a platform for people to express themselves and share their stories, feelings, and opinions through art. The project also aims to celebrate Ogden's rich history and culture and foster a sense of community and connection among its people.

The project has been a huge success, and the art that has been created from the submissions is varied and eclectic, reflecting the different perspectives and styles of the contributors. Some of the art includes poems, drawings, paintings, collages, photographs, letters, postcards, and even origami. The art is then displayed in various ways, such as on the mailbox itself, on the LED screen at the Dumke Arts Plaza, on social media platforms, or in local galleries and events.

The project has been exhibited several times since its launch in February 2023, with the first exhibition held in conjunction with the First Friday Art Stroll at The Corner, where the mailbox was originally located. The second exhibition was held at Ogden's Union Station in March 2023, where the mailbox was moved to due to construction at The Corner. The third exhibition was held at the Eccles Art Center in April 2023, where some of the art was featured as part of the Community Art Show.

The Ogden Ar(t)chives Mailbox has several activist themes that are present in the art and the process of creating it. The project aims to empower people by giving them a voice and a chance to express themselves freely and creatively. It also promotes inclusion by welcoming submissions from anyone and everyone, regardless of their age, background, identity, or ability. Additionally, the project raises awareness of various social and political issues that affect Ogden and its people, such as domestic violence, homelessness, racism, immigration, and environmentalism. The project also encourages people to engage with each other and with their community through art and dialogue, while preserving the history and culture of Ogden by archiving the submissions and turning them into art.