Frequently Asked Questions

This page answers frequently asked questions about the community artist book project.

Can I still participate?

I will be accepting cards until the drawer is full. If you are reading this, you can still participate! Go to poetrayprints.com/makeart to sign up.

Can international artists outside the U.S. participate?

Yes! I will send cards anywhere in the world.

What is the return address?

Poet Ray Prints

PO Box 5489

Lacey, WA 98509

United States

What is an artist trading card?

First conceived by Swiss artist M. Vänçi Stirnemann in 1997, artist trading cards, or ATCs, are small works of art that are traded and collected by those who participate in the project. ATCs are typically 2.5 x 3.5 inches, the same size as baseball cards, and are signed and dated on the reverse side by the artist. ATCs can be one of a kind or part of a small edition (usually 5-10). Ultimately, this mini format can be used by artists to experiment, explore, and get inspired by others.

What is a library catalog card?

A library catalog card contains the bibliographic information of all materials in a library. Catalog cards were used before computers or online library catalogs to find materials in a collection. The cards are typically handwritten or typewritten and filed in a wooden cabinet of drawers by author last name, subject, and call number. I am creating an index, where cards will be organized alphabetically by artist’s last name.

Why are you using catalog cards?

I am a librarian and former cataloger interested in exploring intersections of art and library collections. This is my attempt at creating a mini art collection that pays homage to the library catalog.

Can I use something else?

If you need to use a certain type of paper, you are welcome to! You are also welcome to use metal, glass, wood, fabric, and plastic. The only requirement is that you make sure the format is 3 x 5 inches with a punched hole at the bottom. I will send you an example card to model yours after. If the card you make is not exact to the dimensions or the punched hole location, your card cannot be accepted as it will not fit properly in the drawer. I can punch the hole for you!

But, I’m not really an artist.

Do you create art? Then, you are an artist! All skill levels, ages, and mediums are welcome to contribute to this project. Maybe you’re a crafter or tradesman or writer or parent or scientist… it all takes some form of art to exist as a human, doesn’t it?

Do I have to follow your prompt?

The prompt is meant to be inspiring, not constrictive. It is more important that you respond to the question (What does community mean to you?) in writing. Your submitted artwork can be more open.

Do I need to write anything on the card?

I am asking artists to sign their name and date the back of the cards. If you would like to include your country of origin or contact information, that is up to you. The response to the question (What does community mean to you?) will be typed on a separate card to pair with your artwork and bring the book together as one collaborative piece. I will also be including a title page, introduction, and colophon.

Is there a limit to the number of cards I can submit to the catalog?

If you would like to submit a series of cards as one fluid work of art, you are welcome to do so. Just be sure to note this in your submission, as extra cards will be traded among artists unless otherwise noted.

Can I have my art group/class/organization participate?

Yes, please! Just let me know how many cards you will need in the form. I am willing to pay postage as long as it is not too expensive.

Are words considered art?

There is both an artistic and written response requested for this project. If, in your artistic response, you would like to use words, that is OK! Cut-out words, printed words, handwritten words, or a collage of letters are all welcome.

Can I keep some cards?

I just ask that you return at least one card for the book and one extra card if you’d like to trade among participating artists. All others can be kept, if you choose. Sharing your art with other participants is encouraged!

What about stitching, adhering three-dimensional elements or pasting multiple cards together?

All of these ideas are acceptable. You may use any art form, attach 3-D objects like buttons, paste multiple cards together, create an accordion extension or other interactive elememts. The only thing I ask is that you do not obstruct the punched hole and that no materials go beyond the 3x5 inch dimensions (with the exception of extending up to 0.5 inch at the top). Please read your emailed instructions carefully and reach out if you are still unsure. Make sure to seal your artwork if it may rub off onto other cards.

Will this book be sold or exhibited?

My first plan is to submit the finished artist book to the PSBA Members’ Exhibition that takes place in Tacoma, Washington, US, in June and July 2023. I may submit it to other exhibitions, too, but I don’t have any plans on selling it. I am selfishly planning to keep it and might share the work as a printed book of photographs, if I receive enough cards.