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Love, Denise: Postcards, Activism, and the Power of the United States Postal Service


  • Chicago Center for Photojournalism 1226 West Wilson Avenue Chicago, IL, 60640 United States (map)

Love, Denise: Postcards, Activism, and the Power of the United States Postal Service

A special pop-up exhibition celebrating our dear friend Denise Guyer—a testament to her unwavering dedication, boundless generosity, and the joy she brings to those around her. Through postcards, activism, and the enduring power of the United States Postal Service, this show is a heartfelt thank-you for the love and consistency she has shared with us all.

With gratitude, we invite you to join us in honoring a true force of kindness and connection.

For over 30 years, Denise Guyer has been creating and sending handmade postcards—small but powerful works of art—to those she loves, and as a subscription service. These postcards are personal yet universal, thoughtful yet poignant, and always a reflection of the times. Through ink, paper, images, and a deep well of care, Denise has been documenting life’s joys, struggles, and quiet moments with a rare and generous spirit. 

Hands Off USPS! Fight Like Hell!

In 2020, President Trump appointed Louis DeJoy as Postmaster General, ushering in sweeping operational changes and cost-cutting measures. Now, in March 2025, DeJoy plans to slash 10,000 USPS jobs through early retirements and has partnered with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to “modernize” postal operations. Following DeJoy’s departure, Trump has proposed folding USPS into the Department of Commerce under Secretary Howard Lutnick—a move that threatens its independence and public service mission.

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) isn’t standing by. On Sunday, March 23, NALC branches nationwide will rally to send a clear message: Hands off USPS! Founded in 1889, the NALC has spent over a century defending letter carriers from hostile administrations, bad-faith policies, and corporate interference. Now, we fight again.

Join us. Raise your voice. The Postal Service belongs to the people.

postcard © Denise Guyer

Central to this practice is the United States Postal Service—a vital, historic institution that has carried Denise’s work across neighborhoods, cities, and states, connecting people through tangible expressions of love and thoughtfulness. At a time when the USPS’s role in our lives and its legacy are increasingly under threat, this show also serves as a celebration of the post office’s enduring importance in preserving our connections and stories, and delivering meaningful mail. 

As a thank you for the meaning and connection she has shared so freely, we have selected some of Denise’s postcards from various personal collections to feature—transforming the gallery walls into a vibrant tapestry of love, history, imagery, and activism. We invite you to join us in this heartfelt celebration and to witness the beauty of a life expressed through the art of correspondence and visual storytelling. 

postcard © Denise Guyer

The United States Postal Service: A Public Service, A Lifeline

The United States Postal Service (USPS) traces its origins to 1775, when the Second Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. Over the centuries, the USPS has evolved into an essential institution, connecting communities across the nation. Rooted in the principle of universal service, the USPS ensures that no matter the weather—rain, snow, or shine—mail reaches every home and business across the country. From letters carrying news of war and peace to packages delivering everyday necessities, the postal service has long been a trusted connection between people and communities.

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IN PROTEST: GLOBAL ACTIVISM

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June 15

Between You & Me: The Camera Teaches, The Photograph Speaks