{"id":9603,"date":"2019-10-22T11:29:20","date_gmt":"2019-10-22T15:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9603"},"modified":"2019-12-30T17:36:53","modified_gmt":"2019-12-30T22:36:53","slug":"u-s-announces-some-2020-stamp-subjects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9603","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Announces Some 2020 Stamp Subjects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>[press release]\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>Click on the issue name to go to that issue&#8217;s specific page; some dates added at the bottom, in the individual pages, and in our program grid.<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>2020 Forever Stamp Program <span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\">Offers<\/span> Something for Everyone<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><em>Love, Arnold Palmer, Hip Hop and Earth Day Among Subjects Featured<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>WASHINGTON \u2014 With 2020 rapidly approaching, the U.S. Postal Service today revealed several of the new Forever stamps and others to be issued next year.<\/p>\n<p>Since 1847, the Postal Service stamp program has celebrated the people, events and cultural milestones unique to the history of the United States. The 2020 stamp subjects continue this rich tradition. The stamp designs being shown today <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9627\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/gicker_show2019-253x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"253\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/gicker_show2019-253x300.png 253w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/gicker_show2019-127x150.png 127w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/gicker_show2019.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 253px) 100vw, 253px\" \/>are preliminary and subject to change.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese miniature works of art offer something for everyone interested in American history and culture,\u201d said U.S. Postal Service Stamp Services Acting Executive Director William Gicker <em>[right]<\/em>. \u201cFrom notable figures such as golf legend Arnold Palmer to esteemed journalist Gwen Ifill to the cultural phenomenon of hip hop and a celebration of the great outdoors, this program is wide-ranging and adds to the history of our great nation as recorded through the U.S. stamp program.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a sneak peek:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9634\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Lunar New Year: Year of the Rat<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9620\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_LNYrat-191x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"191\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_LNYrat-191x300.png 191w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_LNYrat-96x150.png 96w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_LNYrat-653x1024.png 653w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_LNYrat.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 191px) 100vw, 191px\" \/>In 2020, the Postal Service is launching its third Lunar New Year series with the issuance of the Lunar New Year: Year of the Rat Forever stamp. The Year of the Rat stamp will be the first of 12 stamps in the series. The Year of the Rat observance begins Jan. 25, 2020, and ends Feb. 11, 2021. Calling to mind the elaborately decorated masks used in the dragon dance often performed in Lunar New Year parades, this three-dimensional mask depicting a rat is a contemporary take on the long tradition of paper-cut folk art crafts created during this time of year. Art director Antonio Alcal\u00e1 designed the stamp with original artwork by Camille Chew.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9638\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Made of Hearts<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9607\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_hearts-231x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_hearts-231x300.png 231w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_hearts-116x150.png 116w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_hearts.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231px\" \/>Made of Hearts is a continuation of the Postal Service tradition of creating stamps that celebrate love. The stamp features horizontal lines of red and pink hearts on a white background. Toward the center, red hearts in varying sizes replace pink hearts in a formation that creates one large red heart, the focal point of this graphic design. This stamp is just right for thank-you notes, get-well cards or any occasion when love is the perfect message. Art director Antonio Alcal\u00e1 designed the stamp.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9636\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Gwen Ifill<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9610\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_ifill-191x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"191\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_ifill-191x300.png 191w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_ifill-96x150.png 96w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_ifill-653x1024.png 653w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_ifill.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 191px) 100vw, 191px\" \/>The 43rd stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Gwen Ifill (1955\u20132016), one of America\u2019s most esteemed journalists. The stamp features a photo of Ifill taken in 2008 by photographer Robert Severi. Among the first African Americans to hold prominent positions in both broadcast and print journalism, Ifill was a trailblazer in the profession. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9640\"><strong><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\">Let\u2019s Celebrate!<\/span> <\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9608\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_celebrate-300x191.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_celebrate-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_celebrate-150x96.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_celebrate-471x300.png 471w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_celebrate.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>In 2020, the Postal Service issues Let\u2019s Celebrate!, a new stamp that adds fun to celebratory greeting cards, invitations and gift-bearing envelopes and packages. No matter the occasion \u2014 birthday, anniversary, holiday, engagement, new job, retirement \u2014 Let&#8217;s Celebrate! helps send cheer along with well wishes. The stamp features an array of colorful circles in varying sizes arranged in a random pattern. The letters in the word \u201ccelebrate,\u201d cast in a dark green hue, appear inside several brightly colored circles on a white background. Art director Antonio Alcal\u00e1 designed the stamp.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9618\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_orchids-147x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"147\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_orchids-147x300.png 147w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_orchids-74x150.png 74w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_orchids-503x1024.png 503w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_orchids.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 147px) 100vw, 147px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9632\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Wild Orchids<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\nThe Postal Service celebrates the exotic beauty of orchids with 10 new stamps in booklets of 20 and coils of 3,000 and 10,000. Each stamp features a photograph of one of nine species that grow wild in the United States: <em>Cypripedium californicum, Hexalectris spicata, Cypripedium reginae, Spiranthes odorata, Triphora trianthophoros, Platanthera grandiflora, Cyrtopodium polyphyllum, Calopogon tuberosus<\/em> and <em>Platanthera leucophaea<\/em>. Orchids also have common names, with some plants having several different names in popular use. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with existing photographs by Jim Fowler.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9643\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Arnold Palmer<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9615\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_palmer-191x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"191\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_palmer-191x300.png 191w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_palmer-96x150.png 96w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_palmer-653x1024.png 653w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_palmer.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 191px) 100vw, 191px\" \/>This stamp honors champion golfer Arnold Palmer (1929\u20132016). With drive and charisma, he helped transform a game once seen as a pastime for the elite into a sport enjoyed by the masses. The stamp features James Drake\u2019s action photograph of Palmer at the 1964 United States Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. Art director Antonio Alcal\u00e1 designed the stamp.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9645\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Maine Statehood<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9622\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_maine-300x191.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_maine-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_maine-150x96.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_maine-471x300.png 471w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_maine.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>This stamp celebrates the 200th anniversary of Maine statehood. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State, Maine became the 23rd state in the Union on Mar. 15, 1820. American painter Edward Hopper (1882-1967) was among the many prominent artists who sought the tranquility of the state\u2019s coastal towns during the summer. His painting \u201cSea at Ogunquit\u201d (1914) captures the rugged beauty characteristic of Maine. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9647\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Contemporary Boutonniere<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9614\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_boutonniere-231x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_boutonniere-231x300.png 231w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_boutonniere-116x150.png 116w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_boutonniere.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231px\" \/>Contemporary Boutonniere is a new Forever stamp similar in design to the new 2-ounce Garden Corsage stamp. It can be used for wedding RSVP cards and is also perfect for party invitations, thank-you notes, announcements, birthday cards, Father&#8217;s Day cards and other occasions when a beautiful stamp is fitting. The stamp features a photograph of an arrangement of a burgundy mini-cymbidium orchid bloom, a succulent and a touch of green hydrangea, accented with loops of variegated lily grass. These materials are on trend for today\u2019s modern designs, as arranged by floral designer Carol Caggiano and photographed by Ren\u00e9e Comet. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9649\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Garden Corsage<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9621\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_corsage-300x232.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_corsage-300x232.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_corsage-150x116.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_corsage-389x300.png 389w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_corsage.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The Postal Service introduces Garden Corsage, a new 2-ounce stamp. This stamp can accommodate the weight of heavy invitations for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other celebrations, oversize greeting cards for all occasions, and mailings such as small gifts that require extra postage. The stamp features a photograph of a corsage containing a spray of peach roses and a pink ranunculus, accented with deep-pink heather and seeded eucalyptus. A cream-colored lace ribbon entwines the flowers. Garden Corsage is similar in design to the Contemporary Boutonniere Forever stamp, and the two form a natural pair. The corsage was arranged by floral designer Carol Caggiano and photographed by Ren\u00e9e Comet. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9651\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Earth Day<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9613\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_earthday-231x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_earthday-231x300.png 231w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_earthday-116x150.png 116w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_earthday.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231px\" \/>Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Postal Service issues a stamp featuring a playful painting of the planet, with small green lines surrounding Earth and hand-lettered text. Art director Antonio Alcal\u00e1 was the stamp artist and designer. Ricky Altizer was the typographer.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9653\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>American Gardens<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9605\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_gardens-155x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"155\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_gardens-155x300.png 155w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_gardens-77x150.png 77w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_gardens-527x1024.png 527w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_gardens.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 155px) 100vw, 155px\" \/>With these stamps the Postal Service celebrates the beauty of American gardens. This pane of 20 stamps features 10 different photographs of botanic, country estate and municipal gardens taken between 1996 and 2014. The gardens include: Biltmore Estate Gardens (North Carolina); Brooklyn Botanic Garden (New York); Chicago Botanic Garden (Illinois); Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Maine); Dumbarton Oaks Garden (District of Columbia); The Huntington Botanical Gardens (California); Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park (Florida); Norfolk Botanical Garden (Virginia); Stan Hywet Hall &amp; Gardens (Ohio); and Winterthur Garden (Delaware). Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with existing photographs by Allen Rokach.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9655\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Voices of the Harlem Renaissance<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9616\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_harlemren-49x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"49\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_harlemren-49x300.png 49w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_harlemren-168x1024.png 168w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_harlemren.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 49px) 100vw, 49px\" \/>These stamps celebrate one of the great artistic and literary movements in American history, the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, which firmly established African Americans as a vital force in literature and the arts. Twenty stamps showcase four stylized pastel portraits of these literary figures: writer, philosopher, educator and arts advocate Alain Locke; novelist Nella Larsen; bibliophile and historian Arturo Alfonso Schomburg; and poet Anne Spencer. African-inspired motifs are used as background elements of each portrait. The pane header shows a cityscape in silhouette with a sun in its midst and the title \u201cVoices of the Harlem Renaissance.\u201d The artist for these stamps was Gary Kelley. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9661\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Enjoy the Great Outdoors<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9612\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_outdoors-98x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"98\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_outdoors-98x300.png 98w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_outdoors-49x150.png 49w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_outdoors-334x1024.png 334w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_outdoors.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 98px) 100vw, 98px\" \/>With the release of the Enjoy the Great Outdoors Forever stamps, the Postal Service celebrates the many ways individuals experience America\u2019s abundance of natural beauty. These hand-sketched and painted designs depict five different scenes of outdoor activities \u2014 building a sand castle, hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing and biking. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps with original art by Gregory Manchess.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9663\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Hip Hop<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9609\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_hiphop-49x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"49\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_hiphop-49x300.png 49w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_hiphop-167x1024.png 167w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_hiphop.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 49px) 100vw, 49px\" \/>The Postal Service celebrates hip hop with four new stamps in a pane of 20. Since its inception more than four decades ago, the electrifying music, dance and art movement has profoundly influenced American and global popular culture. The stamp art features photographs taken by Cade Martin that depict four elements of hip hop: MCing (rapping), b-boying (breakdancing), DJing and graffiti art. The bold, digitally tinted images are intended to appear in motion. The words \u201cForever\u201d and \u201cUSA,\u201d \u201cHip Hop,\u201d and the name of the element featured appear across the top of each stamp. Art director Antonio Alcal\u00e1 designed the stamps, which are highlighted with a vivid yellow, green, red and black color scheme. The title of the stamps, printed in red and black, is centered on the top of the pane.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9665\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Fruits &amp; Vegetables<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9611\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_fruitsveggies-300x148.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_fruitsveggies-300x148.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_fruitsveggies-150x74.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_fruitsveggies-500x246.png 500w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_fruitsveggies.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The Postal Service captures the classic beauty of still-life paintings in a booklet of 20 stamps featuring 10 different portraits of fruits and vegetables. Each stamp features a collection of one kind of fruit or vegetable: red and black plums, heirloom and cherry tomatoes, carrots, lemons, blueberries, red and green grapes, lettuces, strawberries, eggplants and figs. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps with existing art by Robert Papp.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9667\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Thank You<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9617\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_thankyou-234x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"234\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_thankyou-234x300.png 234w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_thankyou-117x150.png 117w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_thankyou.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 234px) 100vw, 234px\" \/>In 2020, the Postal Service issues four new stamps in a booklet of 20 available for notes, cards and letters of thanks sent to acknowledge a favor, an act of kindness, a job well done or gifts sent for any occasion. Highlighted in gold foil are the words \u201cThank you\u201d in cursive script and an elegant floral design that swirls through and around the words. Each stamp features one of four background colors: blue gray, deep blue, muted green or soft maroon. Greg Breeding was the art director. Dana Tanamachi was the stamp designer and lettering artist.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9669\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>19th Amendment: Women Vote<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9606\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_suffrage-191x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"191\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_suffrage-191x300.png 191w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_suffrage-96x150.png 96w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_suffrage-653x1024.png 653w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_suffrage.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 191px) 100vw, 191px\" \/>With this stamp, the Postal Service commemorates the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees women the right to vote. Inspired by historic photographs, the stamp features a stylized illustration of suffragists marching in a parade or other public demonstration. The clothes they wear and the banners they bear display the official colors of the National Woman\u2019s Party \u2014 purple, white and gold. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp with original art by Nancy Stahl.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9671\"><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor<\/strong><\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9619\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_mayflower-300x191.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_mayflower-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_mayflower-150x96.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_mayflower-471x300.png 471w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/s_mayflower.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>With this commemorative stamp, the Postal Service marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor. The stamp\u2019s image is based on artwork of watercolor, acrylic and gouache, a method of painting that uses opaque pigments ground in water and thickened to a glue-like consistency. The painting was digitally refined to convey a scene of desolate beauty at the end of the Pilgrims\u2019 long journey to an unfamiliar world. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Greg Harlin.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><em>The designs posted <span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\">earlier<\/span> for Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are not final and, as requested by the USPS, have been removed.<br \/>\n<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<hr width=\"50%\" \/>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\">Updated December 10th:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 282px;\" width=\"588\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\"><strong>Issue<\/strong><br \/>\nLunar New Year: Year of the Rat<br \/>\nBlack Heritage: Gwen Ifill<br \/>\nLet\u2019s Celebrate!<br \/>\nWild Orchids<br \/>\nMaine Statehood<br \/>\nBoutonniere &amp; Garden Corsage<br \/>\nEarth Day<br \/>\nAmerican Gardens<br \/>\nHarlem Renaissance<\/td>\n<td><strong>Release\/Ceremony Date<\/strong><br \/>\nSaturday, Jan. 11<br \/>\nThursday, Jan. 30<br \/>\nFriday, Feb. 14<br \/>\nFriday, Feb. 21<br \/>\nSaturday, March 14<br \/>\nThursday, April 2<br \/>\nSaturday, April 18<br \/>\nWednesday, May 13<br \/>\nThursday, May 21<\/td>\n<td><strong>City<\/strong><br \/>\nMonterey Park, CA<br \/>\nWashington, DC<br \/>\nMesa, AZ<br \/>\nCoral Gables, FL<br \/>\nAugusta, ME<br \/>\nCrestwood, KY<br \/>\nDenver, CO<br \/>\nWinterthur, DE<br \/>\nNew York, NY<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><em><strong>Updated December 30th:<\/strong><\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><em>[press release]<\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong> U.S. Postal Service to Issue New Presorted Star and Global Stamps<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>WASHINGTON \u2014 The U.S. Postal Service today revealed two additions to the 2020 stamp program: Presorted Star, a convenient stamp for large-volume mailers, and Chrysanthemum (Global), an international rate stamp.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\"><strong>Presorted Star<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9924\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/s_starflag-275x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/s_starflag-275x300.png 275w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/s_starflag-138x150.png 138w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/s_starflag.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px\" \/>In 2020, the Postal Service will offer the Presorted Star stamp, sold in self-adhesive coils of 3,000 and 10,000, intended for use by business mailers. This new stamp celebrates the beloved American Stars and Stripes by focusing on its vital components. The asymmetrical design includes one large white star, two white and three red stripes, and a brilliant blue background, as well as lettering and three small stars in gold. Greg Breeding was the art director and Matthew Pamer was the designer for the stamp. It will be issued Feb. 3. No dedication event is planned.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #2ab0b0;\">Chrysanthemum (Global)<\/span> <\/strong><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-9926\" src=\"http:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/s_globalmum-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/s_globalmum-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/s_globalmum-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/s_globalmum.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Chrysanthemum is a new Global Forever international rate stamp that can be used to mail a 1-ounce letter to any country where First-Class Mail International service is available. The stamp is round and features a photograph of a pink chrysanthemum on a white background. Taken from above, the photograph highlights the intricate beauty of the bloom. The art director was William J. Gicker. Greg Breeding designed the stamp with an existing photograph by Hong Vo. This stamp will be issued April 24 in Burlingame, CA. Details about the dedication event will be announced at a later date.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[press release]\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Click on the issue name to go to that issue&#8217;s specific page; some dates added at the bottom, in the individual pages, and in our program grid. 2020 Forever Stamp Program Offers Something for Everyone Love, Arnold Palmer, &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/?p=9603\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-u-s-2020"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9603","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9603"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9603\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9927,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9603\/revisions\/9927"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9603"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9603"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualstampclub.com\/lloydblog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9603"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}