In a heartwarming initiative, Popup Florist has launched a unique campaign to collect anonymous love letters from New Yorkers. As Valentine's Day approaches, the local florist set up over a dozen cherry-red mailboxes across Brooklyn and Manhattan, inviting residents to share their heartfelt messages. Between January 23 and January 30, more than 500 letters were collected, providing a glimpse into the diverse expressions of love found in the bustling city.
The letters, penned by individuals of all ages, range from poetic tributes to past loves and missed connections to affectionate notes dedicated to New York City itself. Writers submitted their letters anonymously, dropping their missives into the vibrant mailboxes without revealing their identities. The campaign's goal was to capture the full spectrum of love, encompassing relationships, familial bonds, and even love for the city.
“Dear Lover, you inspire me every day, even when your gone. I think about your footsteps running towards mine, your arms holding me tight and keeping me safe … even though your gone I know your always my lover [sic],” – Anonymous
Kelsie Hayes, a representative from Popup Florist, expressed her amazement at the response from New Yorkers.
“I’m blown away by the letters I’ve read so far – I can’t get over it. There are people who wrote poems, ones who wrote to a past love, to a missed connection, love letters to New York City, cute cards from kids,” – Kelsie Hayes
The diverse collection of letters will be showcased in a love-themed exhibition held on February 8 at a SoHo art gallery. The one-day event will feature large-scale floral arrangements as part of the installation. According to Popup Florist, the ephemeral nature of flowers mirrors the fleeting moments of love captured in the letters.
“We’re narrowing them down based on ones that evoke the most emotion, but we want to capture the full spectrum of what it means to love and be loved – relationships, motherly love,” – Kelsie Hayes
The exhibition promises to be an engaging experience for attendees, who can register for free to view the heartfelt messages. Visitors will have a chance to reflect on the simple pleasures of life and love, as encapsulated in one particular letter.
“That one really hit me, because it’s hard to remember to be in love with the simple pleasures of life, and that you really shouldn’t take them for granted,” – Kelsie Hayes
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