The Inexpressible Contained
Presented by Unsent Letter Mailbox & ClearStory Arts
Unsent Letter Mailbox and ClearStory Arts present a unique gallery exhibition taking place in January 2026 at ClearStory Arts. Join us at the opening reception Friday, January 2, 2026 from 6pm-8pm.
13 local artists have been selected to collaborate with us in creating original works inspired by anonymous unsent letters collected during a series of mailbox pop-ups across Chattanooga. These letters (unspoken confessions, unshared griefs, or untold truths) will form the raw material for artistic interpretation across multiple mediums. Participating artists selected one or two anonymous letters and have produced an original piece in response to each.
The exhibit, The Inexpressible Contained, explores how letters written in anonymity transcend cultural constraints and linguistic boundaries. Drawing from Maggie Nelson’s reflection that “the inexpressible is (inexpressibly) contained within the expressed,” the show highlights how art enables us to voice what words alone cannot carry.
Participating artists include the below:
Jco Barie, Visual Artist
Rachel LeAnn Veal Craven, Visual Artist/Performer
Lisa Denney, Fiber Artist
Darcie Denton, Visual Artist
Ayda Fisher, Ceramic Artist
Katie Fleet, Visual Artist
Jezmin Garcia, Visual Artist/Journaler
Tim Goldsmith, Visual Artist/Curator
Grace Haley, Visual Artist
Lisa Houser, Mosaicist
Sarah Maginniss, Energy Artist
Anna Wise, Visual Artist
TJ Hanretta/Playful Evolving Monsters, Visual Artist
About the Unsent Letter Mailbox
The Unsent Letter Mailbox is a participatory public art project that invites people to anonymously write letters they’ll never send and, in exchange, read one written by someone else. Founded in New York City, it has grown into salons, installations, and collaborations across the U.S., creating spaces of vulnerability, reciprocity, and human connection.
About Clear Story Arts
ClearStory Arts is a Chattanooga-based arts organization and creative community space dedicated to supporting local artists. Through exhibitions, studio spaces, and educational programming, it fosters collaboration and artistic growth across disciplines.
Artist stipends and the exhibition experience funded in part by ArtsBuild.