Ex Postal Facto is the brainchild of Jennie Hinchcliff/Red Letter Day.
How did all this come about? What does it all mean? Those are both very good questions.
In 2012, Jennie was invited to participate in AARPEX (Artistamp Artists Reunion & Philatelic Expo) which took place in Seattle, WA. For many notable artistamp makers, AARPEX was the first time in a long time they been in the same room together in many years. It was two incredible days of sharing stories and trading artwork. During those 48 hours Jennie met many of her mail art and artistamp heroes, gleaned untold inspiration, and felt as if she were witnessing something entirely extraordinary.
AARPEX attendees included the likes of Carl Chew, E.F. Higgins, Anna Banana, Dogfish, and Dame Mailarta (to name an illustrious few). Ed Varney (a.k.a. Big Dada) can be credited with first planting the Ex Postal Facto idea in Jennie’s head; in conversation, he mentioned how exciting a San Francisco mail art event would be – a sentiment echoed by other AARPEX participants throughout the weekend. In the heat of the moment Jennie agreed, but things being what they were, she never considered that such an event would come to pass
Upon returning to SF, a series of incredible opportunities presented themselves: the SF Center for the Book tapped Jennie to curate a mail art show for the 2014 calendar year. After a bit of brainstorming, it seemed like a perfect fit to invite John Held Jr. to participate as a co-curator. The idea of a “postal modern” weekend suddenly became a possible reality. Approaching the SF Public Library and the historic Elks Lodge in downtown San Francisco, Jennie received enthusiastic support from both venues, as well as a commitment for a weekend event. Ex Postal Facto was quickly becoming a reality.
By the time 2012 turned into 2013 plans for the conference were well underway, with multiple events in multiple venues in San Francisco. Working with a dedicated group of volunteers, Jennie continues to come up with ideas and activities for Ex Postal Facto attendees – this is an event that promises to be a mail art milestone.
Whether visiting from another country or visiting from across the bay, Jennie and the Ex Postal Facto team give you a warm welcome to this historic San Francisco event. A colorful and exuberant mail art history awaits you, both old school and new school.
–JH
Ex Postal Facto 2014's official blog 
I live on cape cod and would love to attend.
Hi there Anne —
Hopefully you’ll be able to join in the fun, over here on the west coast! There are a lot of exciting things in store (more than I can manage to write about!) but I can guarantee that it’s going to be a great time. Perhaps we’ll see you in February. 🙂
–JH
I am thrilled to hear about this group and event. I am a mail artist thinking I was working alone.
Anne —
You’re not alone at all! Might I suggest heading over to the IUOMA? It’s a networking website for mail artists around the world — lots of like-minded folks to share and swap mail with…
–JH
Anne, There are mailartists right in your backyard! I’m in Duxbury.
Mandy
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This sounds like it will be a terrific event that really resonates with me. I learned about it by chance by picking up your card at ARCH yesterday where they were having the the snail mail mixer. I hope to attend some or all of the events.
Junk Thief —
San Francisco is really poppin’ with postal love right now! It would be great if you could make it out to some or all of the events — it’s going to be a great opportunity to meet other postal moderns and get inspired. 🙂
–JH
c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s
would you like a piece of mail art from me for the event ? ( no matter ) heigh ho !
Gary —
Any mail that finds it’s way to my PO box is guaranteed a good time! 🙂
–JH
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I just found out about this, and I live mere blocks from the SF Center for the Book. I am crushed that I missed it! I hope activity continues and I can be involved in the future.
Magpie —
The Ex Postal weekend may be over, but you can still stop by and take a look at the exhibition at the Center for the Book! Lots of work to look through, hundreds of artists represented — definitely worth stopping by. SFCB has also put together a line up of classes related to correspondence art and letter writing, so those may be of interest to you too…
–JH
I will definitely stop by SFCB — thanks for the tip! WIll there be another eX Postal Facto planned?