Dallas

‘Dear Neighbor' Postcards Offer Thoughts of Joy and Good Cheer for the Holidays

In Dallas' Deep Ellum neighborhood, there are thoughts and well-wishes and dreams on display. It's a public art project called "Dear Neighbor," inviting anyone to pen a postcard to their neighbors. The only rule: keep it positive.

One card reads, "Dear Neighbor, we never met. That is a problem. Our society is losing its personal touch."

Another card says, "Thank you for welcoming me into your home."

"We're just moving here," explained Jed Papa, as he walked through the exhibit with his girlfriend, Samantha Vazquez. To them, it's a sign. "It is, like, literally a sign!"

"Dear Neighbor" is in a gallery on Elm Street in the heart of Deep Ellum. It takes roughly 45 steps to walk through the maze of postcards, attached by clothes pins, that are clipped to strings, dangling from a warehouse ceiling like a magical man-made forest.

"There's something about this spot that brings joy," said Michael Amphy.

Amphy is homeless. He said he helps tidy up the gallery at night, but the payback is in what he sees – and feels.

"When I thought Dallas was cold-hearted," Amphy said, "here shows me people that have a heart, and have love in their heart."

The theme seems to be "love". It's written on postcard after postcard, some adorned with hearts.

One read, "I will continue to love because that's what the world lacks." Another card said, "More love less hate."

"The theme I see is love," said Michael Cavanagh, who was visiting from New York. "Love for your city, love for your culture, love for your neighbor, love for yourself."

"DFW area is love," Alysse Barlow, of Arlington, declared with a big smile. "We are so friendly. Look at me!"

The "Dear Neighbor" exhibit is scheduled to be open through Thursday, Dec. 15.

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