Guest Artist Program

six postage stamps each showing a different Latino food

2023 Guest artist John Parra

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 summer, join the National Postal Museum and artist John Parra, as they examine a collection of themes illustrated in his original stamp designs and illustrations. Whether you are interested in John’s design process, his artistic inspirations, or his interest in examining Hispanic heritage on postage stamps, there is undoubtedly a program that will interest a variety of art lovers!

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

Upcoming Programs

Image of six postage stamps, each showing a different Latino food

¡Delicioso!: Designing Latino Food Stamps

John NPM Guest Artist John Parra and USPS Art Director Antonio Alcalá for a conversation about the stamp design process that they used in 2017 when working on the ¡Delicioso! series together. ASL interpretation and captioning available.

Who: Learners of all ages
When: Wednesday, June 28 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free

Registration

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

Image of a child speaking into a microphone with stars surrounding them

Spanish is the Language of My Family Book Festival

Come for a family-friendly book festival following the release of Spanish is the Language of My Family, written by Michael Genhart and illustrated by the National Postal Museum's Guest Artist John Parra. The day's events will include tons of fun games, interesting crafts, and entertaining live music for the whole family! This event is free and does not require advanced registration.

Who: Families
When: Saturday, July 15 at 11:00 am – 4:00 pm ET
Where: National Postal Museum
Cost: Free

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

Image of six postage stamps, each showing a different Latino food

Celebrating Frida Kahlo and Hispanic Heritage

Whether it’s people, places, or things such as food or music, the US Postal Service has represented Hispanic and Latino culture on dozens of stamps. Guest Artist John Parra will share many of those he finds most interesting and will lead a drawing demonstration inspired by the Artist: Frida Kahlo stamps from 2001. ASL interpretation and captioning available.

Who: Learners of all ages
When: Wednesday, July 26 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free

Registration

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

Image of a letter carrier standing in front of a row of houses

Commemorating Community Heroes Through Folk Art: An Art Workshop

For any middle and high school student interested in the visual arts, Guest Artist John Parra will be leading a hands-on art workshop centered on folk art and how we can use it to depict the world around us. Space is extremely limited and students must apply (see details below). Food will be provided.

Who: Middle and high school students
When: Saturday, August 5 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm ET
Where: Byrne Classroom, 3rd floor, National Postal Museum
Cost: Free

Due to limited space, this program requires individual students apply to participate. Acceptance into the program will be based upon a panel evaluation of applications submitted. A brief questionnaire must be completed and accompanied by photo of an original work from the student. Applications are due by 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Food will be provided.

All applicants will be notified of their status on July 24, 2023.

Learn more

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

Image of an adult and child standing next to a large bush, the child holds a sketchpad

Artist Inspiration and Creative Problem Solving

Using his semi-autobiographical children’s book, Growing an Artist: The Story of a Landscaper and His Son, Guest Artist John Parra will explore creative thinking and problem solving—two skills that are applicable to every job imaginable! Participants will be able to watch as Parra gives a live painting demonstration about his creative processes. ASL interpretation and captioning available.

Who: Learners of all ages
When: Wednesday, August 16 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free

Registration

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

Image of a mule walking on a dirt path

Mule Mail and Biblioburros: Reaching Communities in Unexpected Ways

Animals have always played an important role in helping bring goods to people. Even today, the Postal Service and book mobiles have relied on them to reach communities that live in places hard to reach. Guest Artist John Parra will lead families through some of the many ways we still rely on animals and how we can celebrate our own hometowns when they come to us! ASL interpretation and captioning available.

Who: Families with children ages 5 – 10 years
When: Wednesday, August 30 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free

Registration

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

Past Guest Artists

Learn more »

Visit

Topics

Stamp Design and the Visual Arts