Envelope Collage #27H by James Edward Scherbarth, Framed

A gray envelope stands up straight, and a few bright scraps come to lean on it.

Envelope Collage #27H comes from James Edward Scherbarth (1949-2021), in torn envelopes on archival paper, dated 7-8-18, and signed, titled and dated 2018 on the reverse. Part of the appeal of collage lies in its humble materials, which a good eye can arrange into something quiet and exact. The speckled gray shape still reads as an envelope, flap and all, with a tan triangle at its throat. Teal and brown pieces gather at right, one pierced by a clean round hole. 12 inches wide, 16 high.

Return to sender seems unlikely at this point.