DEL RAY ARTISANS – CALL FOR ENTRY
OPEN TO ALL ARTISTS
WITH U.S. DOMESTIC (OR EQUIVALENT) MAILING ADDRESS

Creative Card Swap

Swap Coordinator: Linda Elliff, llelliff@gmail.com

This is an ongoing activity offered by Del Ray Artisans.
(Form updated November 8, 2025)

This is a handcrafted, artful card swap between artists. A swap group is formed each time 4 artists apply, then swapping begins immediately for that group. You may sign up more than once, but only after completing your previous swap.

Originally established in April 2020 as a platform for artists to share their creative expression during the pandemic months when we could not gather in person, the Creative Card Swap became a popular activity for both Del Ray Artisans members and non-members. As such, it has become an ongoing program. (Special thanks to Theresa Kulstad for conceptualizing and managing the swap from April-Oct 2020 and to Linda Elliff for coordinating it for over five years.)

The theme has evolved from the original creative expressions of the historic, uncertain time of COVID-19, whether those were depicted with humor, poignant, or reflective observations, or pure escape. Any generic theme for a typical greeting card or note card is appropriate. Please avoid political, religious, or risqué subjects as you may not know how the recipient of the swap may feel about such subjects.

Note: A selection of cards has been gathered in this online exhibit. If you choose to submit a photo of your cards with your application, it may be added to this exhibit.

Participation Requirements:

Create three handcrafted cards for this swap. Each card should be an original work and not a reproduction print. Photography, digital art, mixed media, and hand-printed fine art prints are welcome.
No restriction on size, but consider standard U.S. First-Class Mail letters are a minimum size of 5 x 3.5" and maximum size of 11.5 x 6.125".
Cards should be folded notecards (not postcards) and blank inside. Please do not include religious, political, or risqué cards, or cards that represent a specific holiday or occasion (e.g. no birthday cards).
You may add a note to the recipient on a separate piece of paper if you wish, but it is not required.
You may include a blank envelope if you wish, but it is not required.
You are encouraged to sign your cards.
You may submit a photo of one or all of your handcrafted cards with this entry form for publicity purposes. We appreciate any materials to help spread the word about our card swap.
Cards must be mailed within 14 days of receiving the addresses.
The cost to participate is postage for 3 cards to other artists.
Your mailing address must be within the United States or an equivalent military address that accepts a standard First-Class stamp.

IMPORTANT: Please use any media that can be mailed safely without physically going to the post office. Stamps may be ordered online from USPS.

How The Card Swap Works:

Fill out the form below.
When enough artists have signed up, you will receive (from the Swap Coordinator) the mailing addresses for 3 other artists. You may or may not receive the artist’s name (depending on what data they choose to share), but you will receive their mailing address.
Within 14 days, mail one card to each artist. You may use your own address as the return address or Del Ray Artisans Card Swap, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22301.
Now wait to receive a card from three different artists! If you wish to participate again, just fill out the form again.

Legalese:

Del Ray Artisans, the City of Alexandria, and the participating artists cannot be held liable for any loss or damage to the card in transit.
Permission to post and share photos of the cards for Del Ray Artisans publicity and archival purposes is automatically granted by the artist as a requisite for participation.

Entry Form

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).

Artist's Name (For internal use)*

First NameLast Name

Artist's Name (Share with my swap group)

If you do not wish to share your name with the other artists, leave this field blank.

Mailing Address (Share with my swap group)*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code

Email*

example@example.com

Are you a Del Ray Artisans member?*

YesNoDon't know

1-3 photos of my cards for the swap (optional)

Browse Files

Acceptable file types: pdf, jpg, jpeg, png, gif; Up to 5MB

Terms and Conditions Accepted*

I agree to abide by the policies and regulations set forth in this Call for Entry. I hereby release Del Ray Artisans, the Officers, Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and the City of Alexandria from any responsibility or personal liability to me from any damage, claims or loss in connection with this card swap.

Information Sharing Accepted*

I understand my mailing address (and my name, if elected) will be shared with other participating artists.

Special thanks to the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Commission for the Arts, and Virginia Commission for the Arts for their continued support of Del Ray Artisans, a 501(c)(3) organization.