A beautiful red poppy blooms on a new 32-cent U.S. stamp.
The design features the "Red Poppy," an oil painting by Georgia O'Keeffe, one of the foremost American painters of the 20th century who specialized in floral designs of her beloved Southwest region of the United States. The painting was done in 1927."Georgia O'Keeffe's unique version of the land and the flowers of the region has inspired many," said Loren Smith, senior vice president for the U.S. Postal Service. "With the Red Poppy stamp, millions can take time to see a flower and to honor a true American master."
The Red Poppy stamps are being issued in sheets of 15. Each stamp sheet includes a photo of the artist, taken by Tony Vaccaro in 1960, plus the quote "Nobody sees a flower, really - it is so small, we haven't time and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time." Margaret Bauer, a Washington, D.C., graphic artist for the National Gallery of Art, designed the stamp.
Among the O'Keeffe stamp-related products available through the U.S. Postal Service are a first-day souvenir, which includes a commemorative stamp sheet officially postmarked with the first day of issue cancellation, enclosed in an envelope and folder, and a biographical overview of the artist ($14.95); a professionally matted O'Keeffe commemorative stamp pane, ready for framing ($19.95), and a commemorative illustrated panel with a block of stamps affixed ($7.95).
All of these items can be purchased by calling (800) STAMP 24.
- Syd Kronish