Making your artwork
Who can participate? Do I need to be an established artist?
Anyone is welcome to donate work! Part of the fun of Postcards from the Edge is having a broad range of artists participate, from first-time participants to emerging and established artists.
What counts as original artwork? Are photographs, prints, and digital works okay?
We welcome work in all media, as long as it is original—meaning you made it, it is a unique work and not a mass-produced print or reproduction, and it is not someone else’s work. We accept paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, sculpture, mixed media, textiles, digital work, and more. Photographs and digital works should be printed on high-quality archival paper. Editioned prints should be signed and numbered on the back. Sculptural or three-dimensional works must include a way to hang the work on a wall.
What size does my artwork need to be? Is it okay if it’s a little bigger?
Your artwork should be approximately 4 × 6 inches. It’s okay if it is slightly bigger or smaller. All artworks must be able to hang on a wall; if your work is heavy or requires special mounting, please include appropriate hardware or another way to hang it.
Can I submit more than one artwork?
We accept one artwork per artist.
Is there a theme?
No! There is no theme—you are welcome to make whatever you like.
Registration + shipping
How do I submit an artwork?
Visit How it Works for step-by-step instructions about how to submit an artwork.
What happened to the physical submission form?
Since 2024, we have shifted to a fully online submission process. This allows us to process the artwork more efficiently, reduce errors, and notify you that we have received your artwork quicker.
The online form is very simple and only requires you to enter your name, email, artwork title/medium, and an optional artist statement. If you are able to send an email, you can fill out the submission form!
What information needs to go on the back of my artwork?
Please write your full name, both printed and signed, and your submission number on the back of your artwork. You should also draw an arrow indicating the correct orientation so we know how the artwork should be displayed.
How should I package my artwork?
We recommend that you wrap artwork in wax paper and place it between cardboard. Charcoal and pastel pieces must be fixed before submission. Please ensure that artwork is dry and not sticky before packing. Make sure to write your submission number on the outside of the package.
Where and when do I mail my artwork?
If you are mailing your artwork, it must be postmarked by November 20, 2026. Mailing address: Visual AIDS, 526 West 26th Street #309, New York, NY 10001
What if my artwork arrives after the deadline?
If it is postmarked by the deadline and received within 30 days, it will be included in the 2027 sale. If you have filled out the form and we have not received the artwork by this time, we will contact you.
Can I drop off my artwork in person?
Yes, but you must have completed the online submission form and included your submission number on the back of the artwork and the envelope.
You can bring your artwork to the Visual AIDS office in-person, but please do not bring it to our host gallery. We are open Monday–Friday from 10:30am-5:30pm at 526 West 26th St, #309 (third floor), NYC 10001.
If packages are not addressed to Visual AIDS, we cannot guarantee we will receive them.
Please check our hours on Google Maps for scheduled office closures.
You are welcome to slide artwork under our door when the office is closed—but please be sure it is packaged safely.
Can I participate if I live outside the United States?
Yes! Please keep in mind that we cannot return unsold artwork to international artists.
Artists are responsible for paying any shipping fees.
We have heard from international participants that sending the work as a letter rather than as a package can reduce shipping fees. Please note that you may not receive a tracking number for mail sent as a letter.
after you submit
What happens after I send in my artwork?
Visual AIDS will process and scan/photograph your artwork for the online sale. We receive hundreds of artworks per week so it may take several weeks from the date that your postcard is delivered or dropped off before it is processed.
How will I know you received my artwork?
Via email! Make sure you enter your correct email address when filling out the online submission form. This is how we will reach you to confirm your artwork has been received, to share information on our artist preview party, to tell you if your work sold and who purchased it, as well as other info along the way.
Please make sure mail from postcards@visualaids.org is not going to your spam folder! You will receive a confirmation email once your artwork has been processed. This can take several weeks as we receive hundreds of works. If you have submitted an online form and we have not received your work within several weeks, we will send a reminder.
Can I check on the status of my submission?
Please be patient, we are a small team receiving over 1,500 pieces of work. If it has been 4 weeks since you have mailed your artwork, please email postcards@visualaids.org.
If you fill out the submission form but we don’t receive the artwork within 4 weeks, we will contact you.
What should I do if I submitted the form but need to change the details?
Email postcards@visualaids.org with your submission number, and we will update the information in our system.
keeping the secret
Why are the artists’ identities kept secret?
Because it’s fun! It is a way to challenge how the art world functions and level the playing field. It is also a great way to discover new artists and meet new people.
Can I tell people I’m participating?
Yes! The full artist list will be published in January.
How can I spread the word without revealing which artwork is mine?
You can post a detail of the artwork, a photo of the envelope, or the back of the postcard instead of sharing the full artwork. Feel free to repost graphics and info from our Instagram account @Visual_AIDS
When can I share my artwork and reveal that I made it?
Please wait until after the sale – or after your work has sold.
exhibition & sale
When and where can I see the artworks?
Your one chance to see all of the artwork together is during the in-person or online preview. The view only exhibition and preview will be Friday, January 22 at Berry Campbell. This is for participating artists and those with VIP tickets ONLY. More information on this in December 2026.
Can participating artists attend the preview?
Yes! All participating artists are invited to the preview party. If you would like to bring a guest they must provide a donation to attend. Donations start at $10 and can be made online or in-person at the preview.
How do you decide where my artwork is displayed?
Placement is random, based on the number assigned to your postcard when it is processed. Numbers are assigned in the order that the artwork is processed. You won’t know your postcard number until you find your work in the gallery (or on the online preview).
How does the sale work?
The sale of works goes online Saturday, January 23 at 10 AM on this website. All sales are made online and all artworks are sold anonymously for $100 (with the artist revealed after purchase).
When is the artist’s identity revealed to the buyer?
The artist’s identity is revealed via email after they purchase the artwork.
What information is shared with the collector?
Collectors will only receive your name when they purchase your work, unless you provide additional information in the “Collector Info” section of the submission form (e.g. website, email address).
Can I buy an artwork if I also donated one?
Yes, artists are welcome to purchase artwork during the sale.
after the sale
How will I know if my artwork sold?
You can check on the website – works will be marked “sold” as they are purchased. We will also email you after the sale officially closes. This is usually 7-10 days after the sale ends.
Will I find out who bought my artwork?
Artists will receive the name, email, and city of the collector who purchased their artwork. We will email you after the sale officially closes. This is usually 7-10 days after the preview.
What happens if my artwork doesn’t sell? Can you return my artwork?
Sometimes artwork does not sell. If you would like to ensure the return of your work in the event it does not sell, we ask you to cover the cost of return.
We require a donation of at least $5 to cover the cost of return postage and packaging. If you make a donation, you are not required to enclose a return envelope or postage. We are unable to return artworks outside of the United States.
If your work does sell and you have paid for return shipping, it is considered a donation to support our work. Thank you!
Who should I contact if I still have a question?
Email postcards@visualaids.org