8/8/02
Florida International Museum Presents “ The Graceful Envelope”
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit Features Artistic Envelopes
Opens September 13, 2002

St. Petersburg, Florida (August 8, 2002) Florida International Museum and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) announce a charming exhibition that reveals the beauty of a letter is not always confined to the emotional prose or sentiment inside. “The Graceful Envelope” celebrates the marriage of calligraphy and philately. In 1995, artists and calligraphers were asked to send their artistic envelopes through the mail, and artfully address them to “The Graceful Envelope,” in care of the National Postal Museum. Receiving more than 200 stunningly crafted envelopes from around the world, the contest became an annual event, with the best examples producing an art exhibit.

“ The Graceful Envelope: 1995-1999” presents 137 stamped and canceled envelopes that are artist’s canvasses. “This mail art exhibit expresses the sheer beauty of words and illustrations, and the colors are bright and intense,” said Kathy Oathout, vice president of Florida International Museum.

The “Graceful Envelope” is a National Postal Museum exhibition organized and circulated by SITES. The National Postal Museum receives both financial and material support from the United States Postal Service. The Smithsonian Institution gratefully acknowledges the Postal Service’s continued support of its mission.

“ The Graceful Envelope” opens September 13, 2002 and runs until November 10, 2002. The Florida International Museum is the permanent home of the largest private collection of Kennedy family artifacts in the world. Also on permanent display is The Cuban Missile Crisis, an interactive presentation that gives visitors the impression that they have gone back in time to the year 1962.

Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for college students and seniors 65+, $6 for students. Children under 6 are free. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Last entry to the museum is at 4 p.m. daily.

For more information please contact the Florida International Museum at 727-822-3693 or visit www.floridamuseum.org.

Media Only: High resolution images from this exhibition are available upon request.
Please contact Clare Murray at 727-822-3693, ext #265.

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The Florida International Museum is a non-profit educational institution supported, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Florida Arts Council, State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the City of St. Petersburg. Other major sponsors include Progress Energy, Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, and St. Petersburg Times.