Back in November Josie came hopping back to my desk to deliver a very bright box that had just been dropped off by the postman. Handing it to me, she seemed very excited to know what it was. Having no idea myself, we sat down to take a look. The box, a five-inch cube, sported a Pollock-esque paint job of dripping splotches of blue, yellow, purple, magenta, and turquoise on a mauve ground. One side was signed and dated, like a piece of artwork, and a band of clear packing tape wrapped all the way around to hold it together. It was very light and a jiggle revealed no noises from inside. After this once-over of the curiosity, our attention was drawn to the top of the box, where we found postage, my address, a return address, and a large sticker advising in bright red, “HANDLE WITH CARE / FRAGILE / Contains: PEACE.”

The box suddenly gained some heft, and questions began to pour into my head: There’s Peace in here? How does it fit? What does it look like? Will it fly out if I open the box? Do I want to open the box? What can I do with this? Who can I give Peace to? Who needs it most? How on earth did this Peace get addressed to me in the first place? I have to be careful with this!

The mysterious contents of the box beckoned to be seen, but I resisted the urge and did some quick research instead. The home-printed return label listed the sender as “Franck de Las Mercedes” of New Jersey, and listed a website, fdlmstudio.com. A trip to the artist’s site revealed this artifact as part of an extensive series titled, “The Priority Boxes Project,” and along with a form to order one, provided this explanation:

“By using a box format painted on the outside, sent by mail, Franck aims to have people interact with a work of art, from the person requesting one, to the very first change of hands at the post office, all the way to its receiver. By holding and observing one, the recipient can consider what the box suggests it contains, realize the fragility of what they are holding, and in that relation become aware or activate their ability to take action and influence change. The boxes must be free, in order to reinforce and remind us that things like peace and hope are not only free but also a priority.”

While reading this gave a pretty clear explanation of our initial reaction to the box, it did nothing to resolve the mysterious aura that surrounded it. I kept the box out in the open for a few weeks, where it piqued the interest of just about everyone in the office, and provided me the opportunity to witness several dozen peoples’ initial reactions. While it received a few rolled eyes, most people had a similar reaction to my own, and instantly saw the box as something to be held tight and cherished.

Since the holidays the box has retired to a less prominent position on my desk with my small collection of artifacts and inspiration. It serves as a constant reminder that I am capable of dispensing Peace at any given moment, and gives me a sense of empowerment and wholeness every time I glance its way. I’ve occasionally struggled with the question of whether to give my box of Peace away or to keep it around. Is it even mine? While I have appreciated the reminders and sense of empowerment, and have acted upon these feelings on many occasions, I am also aware that Peace is not something to be hoarded.

Luckily, Franck de la Mercedes is still moving forward with the Priority Boxes Project, and for the time being, anybody can order a Box of Peace, Love, Humanity, Democracy, or Appreciation for free. I’ve been keeping my peace (no pun intended, really…) by letting friends and relatives know about the project and encouraging them to order boxes for themselves, their friends, or their favorite war-mongering politicians. Who knows what a Box of Peace could do in the right hands?

In the time since I received my Box of Peace, Franck has updated his website to include distribution maps and a slide show of pictures submitted by box recipients. Franck funds the project via private contributions, “Handle With Care” t-shirt sales, online auctions of his artwork, and his own pocketbook. It seems quite the community has been developing around the Priority Boxes Project, and with enough support this project will continue to inspire hope and influence change wherever these bright Boxes land.