Lunch On Fridays: Michael Polk + Amber Esner
Making Mail

Spend a lunch hour learning about the latest in art and design during these Friday lectures. Each lecture features a variety of artists and designers from around the world, including CIA faculty and visiting artists.

Join us this Friday at 12:15pm in Aitken Auditorium for the screening of the film, Making Mail, and a discussion on mail art. This film, directed by Michael Polk, was inspired by his high school friendship with Cleveland-based illustrator, mail artist, and 2013 CIA grad Amber Esner. Polk began directing the documentary in late 2012, setting up interviews with the help of Esner and the broad community of mail artists across the country. After 12 interviews in eight cities, Polk has created a film to display the diverse medium of mail art and solidify it as a form for anyone.

Polk, from Parma, Ohio, graduated from The Ohio State University in December 2012. Within a week of walking, he was in Cleveland with a small film crew beginning production on the documentary. He served as director, editor, and music supervisor for the film. Polk directed the documentary with the backing of the Kickstarter community. Since completion, he has remained active in the film world, creating additional short artist exposés, beginning pre-production on several short films, and is currently in the writing process of a feature-length narrative film, looking to shoot in 2015.

This event is free and open to the public. Pizza and beverages will be provided, first-come, first-served.

Cleveland Institute of Art is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

Sponsors