Chit-Chat & Video: Beatles mail art exhibit remembers band's breakup 40 years ago

The Beatles left its stamp on the world, so it’s only fitting that Art Gecko owner Lisa Nordstrom of Oak Park is remembering the Fab Four with a mail art exhibit. On display at the Harrison Street gallery until Sept. 18, “The End” commemorates the 40-year anniversary of the Beatles’ breakup with its exhibit of mail art — pieces which incorporate the postal system as a medium. Nordstrom, whose art is included in the exhibit, believes the Beatles are a “universal theme” with an unlimited amount of artistic interpretations.

Owner of Art Gecko in Oak Park Lisa Nordstrom of Oak Park holds up one of the pieces she created for "The End." "The End" is a mail art exhibit commemorating the 40-year breakup of the Beatles. STAFF PHOTO BY ERICA BENSON 
 

What inspired you to put together this exhibit?
I’ve always wanted to do a mail art show. I’ve participated in them before ... I like the idea of mail art because the definition can vary, and I think its kind of fun to see the fun stuff that goes through the mail. So that was kind of the idea, but then I thought it would be more effective to do a show with a theme. What would be the anniversary of something right now? I did come up with the moon idea ... but I just wasn’t sure how people would interpret it into art.

And then you decided on the Beatles?
We have a lot of Beatles fans on (Harrison Street) actually, and I thought, “Forty years ago they broke up, so maybe this could commemorate the Beatles.” It’s not necessarily about the negative aspect of their breakup, but reflecting on the fact that they broke up 40 years ago. And that just seems like a universal theme. A lot of people of various ages are familiar with their music.

Are you a Beatles fan yourself?
Oh yeah. I love the Beatles and their music.

Where did the pieces in the exhibit originate?
One came from Texas. She didn’t title it, but it reminds me of “The Long and Winding Road,” a Beatles song. I have another one that came from Evanston ... and one from Valparaiso, Ind. The one from Valparaiso is like an origami piece that is real cool. She calls it “Beatles Truncated Icosahedron.” I like all of the pieces, just seeing all the different interpretations.

Will the pieces be sent back to their owners when the exhibit ends?
No. I’m going to have a silent auction at the end of the exhibit on Sept. 18. The closing reception will also be on that day from 6 to 9 p.m., and I’m hoping we’ll be able to make a little bit of money for the Animal Care League of Oak Park.

SEE THE EXHIBIT
WHAT “The End”:  A mail art exhibit commemorating the Beatles’ breakup
WHERE Art Gecko, 19 Harrison St., Oak Park; (708) 358-1950; www.artgeckoltd.com
WHEN Noon to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through Sept. 18
HOW MUCH Free