STICKERS, ANYONE? For artists in the Midwest and beyond, the act of sending mail art prioritizes both the viewers’ tactile experience and the artists’ process. With these ideas in mind, Faith Bosacki (left) and Grace Kazak (right) – the two co-founders of the Out To Brunch Collective – have introduced a new monthly art subscription to locals of the Chippewa Valley. (Submitted photo)

Mail art: a trend which has seen a recent resurgence around the country and globe – where a creatives’ canvas is a four-by-six postcard or a sticker in an envelope.

For a collection of artists in the Midwest, the medium of mail art prioritizes viewers’ tactile experience and the artists’ process. It weaves together intentional paper selections, seasonal postal stamps, custom-designed envelopes and the physical journey from maker to mailbox.

Take it from Faith Bosacki and Grace Kazak, the two co-founders of the Out To Brunch Collective, a new mail art subscription service with roots in the Chippewa Valley. The pair, who share backgrounds in graphic design and illustration, feel deeply connected to the inherent values of art crafted by human hands – and ensuring it remains within reach for all.

“I have subscribed to a few sticker and print clubs, one that includes my friend who started Button and Bloom Press in Madison,” Faith said. “Now we have this unexpected shared art mail community that I hope continues to grow.”

“I grew up being encouraged by my family members who were talented in art,” Grace added. “Once starting my career in design, it was hard to find a balance between making art for work and art for myself.”

“Starting sticker club with Faith has helped me find that balance and I’m excited to be able to share our art with friends, family and our local community,” Grace continued. 

“(We) will continue to lead with kindness as we expand our reach. We try not to limit ourselves; our goal is to individually create what we enjoy.”

Faith Bosacki and Grace Kazak

co-founders, Out To Brunch Collective

Currently, Out To Brunch Collective sends out illustrated stickers – with rotating designs from both Faith and Grace’s portfolios – for $5 a month.

Curious about the inspiration behind their subscription’s name? The co-founders first met as coworkers and became close friends over their shared lunch hours. Today, these connections – created over bites to eat and interests in the outdoors – have manifested in their mail art. 

From May’s “Crybaby Onion” sticker to the crashing lakeside waves depicted in July’s nature-influenced piece, “The Fool,” both Faith and Grace traverse through the whimsical; the only barrier for their respective creative expressions is the cost of a stamp.

“We picked bright green envelopes as our current envelope color because it felt fun and easy to spot in a pile of other mail,” Faith said. “I like printing the envelopes at home because it allows us to play around and swap out the doodles each month to give our subscribers a little extra art.”

“Especially if they like to scrap journal,” Faith continued.

Chartreuse-colored envelopes and two stickers, designed by Faith Bosacki and Grace Kazak, pictured above. At the time this story went to press on July 16, Out To Brunch Collective had 18 subscribers for its sticker of the month club. (Submitted photo)

The inner, translucent vellum tucked inside each mail parcel ensures stickers are safely secured for their travels – both to Chippewa Vallians and beyond. Plus, its frosted glass-like aesthetic adds a soft, elegant touch to the subscription.

Just a few months into their venture, Out to Brunch Collective aims to create new subscription tiers with new prints, even more stickers and other visual art goods. Both Faith and Grace also look toward the Valley’s abundance of artist markets, where they could connect with local crowds and continue building brand recognition in the community.

“(We) will continue to lead with kindness as we expand our reach,” the duo said. “We try not to limit ourselves; our goal is to individually create what we enjoy.”

If it seems your mailbox is often cluttered with bills, marketing campaigns and too many coupons for fast food joints, receiving glimmers of local mail art – at an affordable price – can feel especially rewarding.

Visit outtobrunchcollective.com online, to learn more about Faith Bosacki, Grace Kazak and their sticker of the month subscription. For ongoing designs in progress and mail art announcements, follow the duo on social media (@outtobrunchcollective).