mail art to Russia returned by USPS

[Nancy Bell Scott]

This mail art I sent to Ilya in Moscow two weeks ago was returned today. Not a surprise, as AFTER it was sent google said USPS is not accepting mail from here to there, as of March 11. My fault. I'm posting in case anyone else needs to know. Sorry about this, Ilya, but it's good to see you are receiving mail art from other countries.

Peace ---

[Nancy Bell Scott]

It's certainly a mystery at the moment, but I'll let you know if/when your collage arrives here, Ilya, thanks.

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

Hi Nancy. I set up an experiment today too, I mailed you a collage.

Even in the darkest of times, there is something amusing in the surrounding life. Look at how the people in charge of Russian Post are trying: they are taking letters from Moscow to the US and to Canada by some roundabout way, circumventing sanctions, delivering the mail to the recipients. Maybe they carry mail along the secret Indian trails? I don't know how they do it. They try really, really, really hard, it's amusing.

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

Dear Nancy, I thank you, let's hope that the cancellation of mail delivery is a temporary phenomenon. I keep telling myself: "Things should change as early as this year". Is it naive? Let's see.

I appreciate your art so much.

Thanks Patricia and Bradford!

[Nancy Bell Scott]

"A piece of history," that's true. I like such experiments too, and did know it wasn't a given that he'd receive it, just took the chance.

Good idea, Pat -- I have a scan of what's in the envelope and will send that to Ilya.

[Bradford]

That's a piece of history in a most artful way.  I like such "experiments" whether or not the mail is delivered to the intended recipient.

[PATRICIA LANDON]

Nancy in some situations, it would be fine to photo front and back and attach to a message. This way you both have the experience, just not tactile:) Good luck.