Guest Artist Program

Postage stamps designed by Katie Kirk

2024 Guest Artist Katie Kirk

Stamp artists have the extremely challenging task of depicting the shared history, culture, and beliefs of an entire nation on a one-inch square piece of paper. They work to find the perfect balance between the countless perspectives and experiences of the American people with their individual artistic visions.

This year’s Guest Artist at the National Postal Museum is Katie Kirk. Her minimalist designs are rooted in Midcentury aesthetics and incorporate bold colors and geometric patterns. During her term, Kirk and museum staff will create a variety of educational programming and resources for a wide range of learners and interest levels.

The Guest Artist Program is generously supported by the TurningPoint Foundation.

Upcoming Programs

A Love Story, Expressions of Love on Stamps with Guest Artist Katie Kirk

A Love Story: Expressions of Love on Stamps

When: Thursday July 25, 2024; 2:00 pm ET

This virtual program is designed for families with young children.

Love comes in many forms and can be expressed in a countless number of ways. Throughout history, artists have used many different techniques and images to show how people show their love. Guest Artist Katie Kirk will explore just some of the interesting designs used to represent love on postage stamps. Registration required.

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Behind the Design, the Art of the Stamp with Guest Artist Katie Kirk

Behind the Design: The Art of the Stamp

When: Thursday August 8, 2024; 7:00 pm ET

This virtual program is designed for learners of all ages.

What does it take to make a postage stamp? How do you clearly convey cultural identities and historic events on such a small canvas? Join Guest Artist Katie Kirk as she pulls back the curtain and discusses the design process with a stamp art director, Antonio Alcalá, and recent stamp artists, Don Clark, Always with Honor (Tyler and Elsa Lang), and Ellen Surrey. Registration required.

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Holiday Stamps Family Festival with Guest Artist Katie Kirk

Holiday Stamps Family Festival

Saturday September 14, 2024; 11:30 am – 4:00 pm ET

This onsite program is designed for learners of all ages, especially families with young children.

The winter holidays have come to the Museum early this year! Come and meet Guest Artist Katie Kirk in person while we celebrate the new 2024 Christmas stamps issued by the Postal Service. There will be crafts, games, and all sorts of winter holiday family fun. Registration is not required.

Prior to the start of the Holiday Stamps Family Festival, the National Postal Museum will host the First Day of Issue ceremonies for the two 2024 Christmas stamps. Additional information on this event to come soon.

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Spooky Soirée with Guest Artist Katie Kirk

Spooky Soirée

When: Thursday October 3, 2024; 6:00 pm ET

This onsite program is designed for adults age 21 and above.

Get in the Halloween spirit with Guest Artist Katie Kirk at our Spooky Soirée! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore the Museum after dark. We’ll bring the cemetery crafts, hair raising history, and devilish drinks; you bring the fun. Costumes optional.

This event is free and open to the public—advanced registration is encouraged, but not required. If the program becomes too crowded, preference will be given to those who registered beforehand.

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