What are artist trading cards?
Artist trading cards are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized swap meet events, either in person or online. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5″ x 3.5″. They cannot be sold or bought. They must be traded or given.

How did the movement start?
In 1997, M. Vanci Stirnemann, a Swiss artist, created 1200 cards as part of an exhibit. On the last day, he invited others to make their own cards and trade with him. This is how the movement took off around the world. 

Our cards: Each card is created by many different techniques which can include paint, watercolor, scrapbooking, collage, stamping, colored pencil, and more. Our cards have an origami crane which is a symbol of long life, hope, healing and peace.  Also included is a word or phrase of inspiration along with a decorated background making the piece an original work of mini art. The cards are signed by the artist and placed in a protective sleeve. They are numbered and dated, and this is the first series of 2021. Throughout the process, we have found that this has been a wonderful way to use art to get through the pandemic. We want to give back to the community and to share these little gems with others. 

How are they used? They can be given to people who might need a smile. They have been left behind to say thank you at the vaccination sites. They have been mailed in sympathy cards. They can be put in lunches, left when you pay the bill, or handed to a friend. 

Our hopes: We hope that the ATCs will spark some delight and light the fires of small joys. We hope the cards will become (the good kind of) contagious in the trifecta of creating, giving and receiving. 

Where can I find one? BIMA gift store

ABOUT US: Wings of Hope is a group of Bainbridge Island Rotarians who make artist trading cards (ATCs) for those in need of a little art and inspiration. The Wings of Hope project was born in the shelter at home times of 2021. Contact: wings@bainbridgeislandrotary.org