Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Walton.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amy. Tell us about your current project, “Address Me: Everything Needed to Send a Piece of You.”
I’m so excited to be hosting an interactive event and exhibit that celebrates National Letter Writing Month. On the second Sunday in April, everyone’s invited to drop by The Wild Detectives in Oak Cliff for some free fun.
There will be tons of stationery options, including gorgeous art cards, care of the Dallas Museum of Art. We’ll have working typewriters for novices or those who’re feeling nostalgic. Every detail – down to the postage – is covered, so all you have to do is come and write.
For inspiration there’ll be an exhibit of letters from the archives of the Dallas Public Library. They’ve curated some special pieces that are tied to Dallas’ cultural history. Plus there will be correspondence-inspired music, cocktails, coffee, and more.
With all the conveniences of modern communication – like email and texts – why does written correspondence matter?
Perhaps it’s because of all those options that hand-written correspondence becomes so precious. Emily Dickenson likened it to immortality and that seems profoundly true. Each letter becomes a tiny, personalized gift. Ephemeral and somehow eternal – since most of us cherish and hold onto them.
In fact, studies have affirmed that writing and receiving letters is beneficial. We slow down to contemplate and process our thoughts. We’re warmed by the well wishes we’re sending to someone special. We have a sense of anticipation as we wait for word of receipt. And all those endorphins get released when we get a real letter in a stack of bills and circulars!
For those who are out of practice, what makes for a good letter?
First, I want to mention that we’ll have tips and writing prompts at the event for those who are a bit rusty. But there’s no wrong way to do it.
I tend to think of it just like a conversation. You can include references to shared memories, life updates, requests for guidance or support, teases to things you’re looking forward to, and questions you want the reader to answer. And don’t stress over grammar or spelling. The sentiment matters – not the technical details.
As a collector of vintage letters, do you have a favorite?
One of my hobbies is visiting estate sales and I’m always hoping to find an overlooked box of old correspondence. They appeal to my interest in history, social mores – and perhaps a little streak of voyeurism.
While love letters are always fun, my very favorite find is a written invitation to a Dallas party from the 1930s. It begins “Dear fellow drunkards” and goes on to describe the kind of rip-roaring fun they’re going to have on Friday night.
Do you have any recommendations for others who share your interest in correspondence?
Definitely! I’m a huge fan of Post Secret, a global art project where people write an anonymous secret on a postcard and mail it in. Last year, their letters were featured in an exhibit at the Smithsonian.
I also adore what the folks at Found Magazine do. They’re going on close to 20 years of collecting and sharing letters and notes that have been found by their readers.
Letter writing is about connecting. But it’s not just about you and the person you’re writing to. Projects like these really illustrate – through correspondence – how much each of us has in common with our proverbial neighbor. All of life’s struggles and triumphs played out with a pen…
What projects are next for you?
I have plenty of ideas percolating and I’m always looking for co-conspirators.
I collect vintage portraiture and always wonder about the subjects’ lives. A few years back, I hosted a series of storytelling salons. Thanks to some talented friends, who each adopted their favorite portrait, we’ve entertained ourselves for hours with stories about these strangers’ lives and loves. This year, I hope to bring Portrait Secrets online – and perhaps to the stage – so other collectors and creatives can play along.
In the long term, I’d like to help get an annual modernism celebration up-and-running in Dallas. With the gorgeous renovation of The Statler, it feels like the timing’s right to begin recognizing and educating people about our mid-century treasures.
And give us all the details so we can mark our calendars.
Certainly!
Address Me is a come-and-go event that will be held on Sunday, April 8th between 11am and 2pm. It will be at the cutest spot in Bishop Arts – The Wild Detectives – at 314 W. Eighth Street. You can find out more on Instagram and Facebook.
I’d love your readers to join us. But even if they can’t, I hope they’ll consider picking-up a pen the next time someone special crosses their mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/166407104148869/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/addressmedallas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AddressMeDallas/
Image Credit:
Amy Walton’s headshot – MarkBirnbaum.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
