209 Weeks


A Weekly Postcard Project

A vintage postcard from 1918, wishing someone a happy Christmas.

209 Weeks is a weekly postcard art project that will take place during Trump’s second term.

Despite the 2024 presidential election results, I believe that most people truly care about others. To remind myself of that truth, I am proposing a postcard based art project to help us connect with each other and make it through four more years of Trumpism. But I need your help. I want to gather your words of sustenance—your favorite quotes, lines of poetry, affirmations, reminders that feed and fuel you—and send those words on to someone else.

I will combine these words of sustenance with photography to create unique postcards——209 in total, one for each week of the presidential term. Each week, someone who has submitted their own words to the project will receive a postcard with someone else’s words on it. You can learn more here.

I am currently looking for approximately 55 participants for Year 1 (2025). If you’re interested in participating, please fill out the form below. Thank you!

View the Postcards

  • This black and white photo shows approximately a dozen people working on an iron pour. Everyone is wearing heavy protective clothing and face shields to protect their faces. Some people are pouring molten metal, while others are assisting.

    Week 15 of 209 Weeks

    Week 15 of 209 Weeks: “…because if enough of us believe a thing, then it becomes so.” —N.K. Jemisin. Photo Notes: Photo notes: This photo was taken at the last iron pour held at the University of Minnesota in Spring 2019.

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  • A black and white photo showing a cut log. The log has a knot inside of it, and there is a cross drawn on the stump. The background shows a mess of tree branches and snow.

    Week 14 of 209 Weeks

    Week 14 of 209 Weeks: Inauguration by Dave HedenstromWelcome to a despot’s Golden Agewhere Empathy is heckled off the stage:the Other is best gone, or in a cage,and Jesus just a useful tool for rage.Let those who know true Love not disengagein hope that History turns a better page. Photo Notes: This photo was taken at Pacem…

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  • Black and white photo of a wall. A sign says FIRE ESCAPE, and some railing or stairs out of frame casts deep slanted shadows across the fire escape sign.

    Week 13 of 209 Weeks

    Week 13 of 209 Weeks: “You know that the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest?… The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.” —Brother David Steindl-Rast Photo Notes: This photo was taken at the Minnesota State Fairground in 2020, a few months after COVID lockdowns started. The Fairgrounds are generally open to the public during the day, but…

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  • Black-and-white photo showing the patterns used in Korean temples and palaces. Intricate floral and geometric patterns dance across the wooden structure.

    Week 12 of 209 Weeks

    Week 12 of 209 Weeks: A Korean proverb—산무당이 시림 잡는다. Translation: An inexperienced shaman causes people pain. Photo Notes: This photo was taken somewhere in South Korea in October 2018. Where? Which building? Temple? Palace? No earthly idea. Apparently I need to take better notes.

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  • Black-and-white photo of underpass at Geonsancheon stream in Jeonju, South Korea. The pillars that support the bridge overhead are reflected in the water. Across the stream, a few people use exercise equipment.

    Week 11 of 209 Weeks

    Week 11 of 209 Weeks: “The ultimate work to be done each day is to choose whether we will support our authentic self or support our false persona or dutiful self.” —Angela Arrien Photo Notes: This was taken at Geonsancheon stream in Jeonju, South Korea in September/October 2018. I didn’t realize anyone was on the other side…

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  • Black-and-white photo of a white heron standing in Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul, South Korea. Across the stream, a dapper looking man stands, and watches the heron. Long grass and trees frame the stream, the heron, and the gentleman.

    Week 10 of 209 Weeks

    Week 10 of 209 Weeks: “Outside for the first time in a long time/Lose yourself, sink into the sunlight/It’s been a while since you felt right/But the warm nights are coming soon and you’ll be just fine/You’ll be just fine/You’ll be just fine” from “Daylily” by Movements. Photo Notes: This photo was taken at Cheonggyecheon stream in…

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  • Black-and-white photo of a small cut tree stump. A third of the tree stump is covered in lichen and dried, fallen autumn leaves are on the ground next to the tree stump. The rings of the tree are visible in the photo.

    Week 9 of 209 Weeks

    Week 9 of 209 Weeks: “We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends, and improving our lives.” —Maya Angelou Photo Notes: This photo was taken at Pacem in Terris in Isanti, MN in November or December 2021.

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  • Black-and-white photo Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul, South Korea. A stream is flanked by two walkways and some small stone bridges cross the river. Dozens of people walk past the stream or sit and chat with each other. Hundreds of umbrellas are strung across the sky above the stream.

    Week 8 of 209 Weeks

    Week 8 of 209 Weeks: “Freedom is indivisible and either we are working for freedom or you are working for the sake of your self-interests and I am working for mine.” —June Jordan Photo Notes: This photo was taken at Cheonggyecheon stream is Seoul, South Korea in September or October 2018. This stream had been covered by…

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  • Black-and-white photo of several small shelf fungi on a tree trunk.

    Week 7 of 209 Weeks

    Week 7 of 209 Weeks: “WHETHER YOU LOVE WHAT YOU LOVE / OR LIVE IN DIVIDED CEASELESS REVOLT AGAINST IT / WHAT YOU LOVE IS YOUR FATE.” —Frank Bidart, “Guilty of Dust” Photo Notes: This photo was taken at Pacem in Terris in Isanti, MN in November or December 2021.

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  • Black-and-white photo of a golden orb spider hanging upside down in its web with blurry leaves in the background.

    Week 6 of 209 Weeks

    Week 6 of 209 Weeks: “It can be overwhelming to witness/experience/take in all of the injustices of the moment; the good news is that they’re all connected. So if your little corner of work involves pulling at one of the threads, you’re helping to unravel the whole damn cloth.” —Ursula Wolfe-Rocca Photo Notes: This photo was…

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