National Post Card Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of  May.  Since 1991, I have been a participant, sending out a post card  usually based on one of my manhole cover  relief works. See my collection:  Bobbi Mastrangelo- Postcards -”The Grate Works” -transforms manhole covers, sewers and grates into artistic streetscapes.

I exchange post cards with over 130 post card pen pals and save their creations in binder notebooks. Demaris Swint has posted the 2013 NPCW cards: http://www.nationalpostcardweek.com/2013.php

Many fascinating themes can be viewed on this website: National Postcard Week 2013 – Postcard Swap (Exchange) – ButterflyInTheAttic

About “City of Orlando”  Even before I became a full time resident of Florida, The Orlando Museum of Art, was a favorite “tourist site” with its fascinating art collections. Loch Haven Park’s adjacent antique brick roadway was artful as well.

“City of Orlando” was exhibited in their competition: “Sculpture, the Ultimate Process.” http://bobbimastrangelo.com/MyNews/?p=2200  on January 5, 2012 along with  ”Buckeye Water Meter Pit Cover” and “Reuse.” Bobbi Mastrangelo-Gallery-Sculpture Relief Small.

How did I create the sculpture relief: “City of Orlando?”  Why did Susan Raff become my “Grate Works” apprentice?  Grate Thoughts » Blog Archive » The Creation of “City of Orlando,” Mastrangelo’s Sculpture Relief

P.S.  Your comments on my blog are very welcome or send me a post card.

 Why did I write an Ode to Karl Shapiro? Here is the answer in my Daughter Anne Marie’s own words reflecting on her elementary school days:

“Karl Shapiro’s poem, ‘Manhole Covers’ was printed in my Fifth Grade English Textbook.  I remember seeing it and thinking: Wow, someone else looks at sewers too, not just my Mom.  It must be modern art.  I showed the poem to my mother and a few years later she composed  an ‘Ode to Karl Shapiro’ based on her manhole cover adventures.                     ~Anne Marie Schauman  2013

Oxymoron: The Fringe, 1998 volume II printed Karl Shapiro’s poem “Manhole Covers next to photos of my manhole art.   You can read his poem here:  Manhole Covers – Karl Shapiro

“Ode to Karl Shapiro” in larger font: http://bobbimastrangelo.com/Poetry/poetry-ode.php