In addition to promoting the art of calligraphy, the Graceful Envelope Contest celebrates the role of letters in binding people together. The contest was created in 1995 by the Smithsonian Institution's National Postal Museum, which administered it until delegating responsibility to the Washington Calligraphers Guild in 2001. We are proud to administer the contest, now in its 30th year.
2025 theme: Go Fourth
In 2025 we reach the first quarter of this century — one-fourth of 100 years. Therefore, the theme for the 2025 Graceful Envelope Contest is "Go Fourth."
Explore something that comes in fours, is associated with sets of four, or is commonly cut into fourths. For example, the phases of the moon, the points of a compass, the seasons, the Four Freedoms, an apple that's been quartered. Then, using artistry, artistic lettering, and the integration of postage stamps into your design, create an envelope that captures your interpretation of the theme.
Entries must be postmarked by Monday, March 31, 2025 and will be judged by your envelope's representation of the contest theme, the quality of your calligraphy or artistic lettering, and effective use of color and design including the incorporation of postage stamp(s).
So "go fourth" and address your beautiful creations to:
The Graceful Envelope Contest
P.O. Box 3688
Merrifield, VA 22116
Who Can Enter
-
Entries will be judged in these divisions:
Adult — Grades 9-12 — Grades 5-8 — Grades 1-4 -
Only one entry allowed per person.
-
There is no entry fee.
-
Direct questions to WCG President Elissa Krieg.
-
Postmark deadline: Monday, March 31, 2025
How to Enter
-
Each entry must be a stamped envelope and delivered through the U.S. Postal Service. The envelope will not be opened.
-
Entries may not be enclosed in a separate envelope or in any protective covering (unless multiple entries are coming from one class).
-
Postage of 73 cents applies to standard #10 business envelopes as well as envelopes not exceeding 7x9 inches. Square envelopes are permitted, but that shape requires $1.19 postage.
-
Mail your envelope/entry to:
The Graceful Envelope
P.O. Box 3688
Merrifield, VA 22116 -
On the BACK of the envelope, print your name, address and email, clearly labeled "FROM." Students must indicate their GRADE (international students: please provide your age). Students may use their teacher's email rather than their own.
-
If your entry is returned to sender, contact WCG President Elissa Krieg. All mail is sorted by machines, which can sometimes misread calligraphy.
Criteria for Judging
-
Creative interpretation of the contest theme to transform an ordinary envelope into a work of art.
-
Quality of calligraphy or artistic lettering used to address the envelope. Computer-generated or -enhanced lettering is not permitted.
-
Effective use of color and design employing standard media such as paint, ink, markers and pencil. Not permitted: stickers or manufactured rubber stamps (hand-cut stamps are permitted).
-
Entrants are encouraged to integrate postage stamp(s) into the design.
-
See below for the advice of past judges.
Scripsits featuring the GEC
-
The Fall 2019 Scripsit (WCG's journal) celebrated the Graceful Envelope Contest’s 25th year with a selection of winning envelopes from all 25 years. In 48 full-color pages, the issue showcased 270 Graceful Envelopes by 147 lettering artists, with extra space devoted to 2015-19 contest winners.
-
The Fall 2014 Scripsit reproduced 141 selected winning envelopes from 2009 through 2014.
-
Spring 2009 Scripsit featured full-color reproductions of 64 selected envelopes from the 2006-2008 Graceful Envelope contests.
-
The Fall 2005 Scripsit reproduced 65 selected envelopes from the 2003, 2004 and 2005 Graceful Envelope contests.
-
The December 2002 Scripsit featured full-color reproductions of 60 of the winning envelopes from 1995 through 2002.
Timeline
-
The Call for Entries and theme are announced in the fall.
-
Entries must be postmarked no later than Monday, March 31, 2025. The contest will not acknowledge receipt of entries.
-
Judging will take place in Summer 2025 by three professionals from the calligraphic and arts communities. Only the front of the envelope will be judged (blind judging); the name, address and email of the entrant must be written clearly on the back. (If a class project, teachers should put their address and email on the back of each student's envelope.)
-
Winners will receive certificates and their names and entries will be posted online. No prizes will be awarded. Please note: Entries not selected by the judges will not be notified, displayed or returned.
-
All winning envelopes can be viewed online at www.calligraphersguild.org. Winners may also be published or exhibited elsewhere.
Need Help?
-
If you have any questions about entering or if your entry is returned to you, contact WCG President Elissa Krieg.
-
To help the envelope reach its destination, make certain our zip code (22116) is easily readable.
-
First-class postage is 73 cents for envelopes weighing up to one ounce. Postage for square, oversized or unusual envelopes starts at $1.19. You can use stamps issued in any year. NOTE: If you reside outside the US, use your country's postage in the denomination required for mail going to the States.
-
Two of the 2011 contest jurors provided insight into the judging process:
-
For the Graceful Envelope Contest, I look at a compelling design that grabs my attention and that conveys the theme, either directly or indirectly if it is cleverly done. The lettering needs to be well-executed and congruent to the overall design. Also, the use of the stamp needs to be well-considered, since it is part of the envelope, and therefore is part of the design. Envelopes that are expertly painted and/or drawn but contain lettering that seems like an afterthought would not be considered a winner. Expert lettering that does not produce a pleasing overall design that adheres to the theme would not be considered a winner. But an envelope with a design portraying the theme in a unique way, setting it apart from the pack, with lettering that works well with the design and a stamp that looks like it belongs, would definitely be in the running. Overall, I don't believe it is the best calligrapher that will always win, nor the best draftsman or painter—it is the artist who is able to use both effectively to execute the theme in the most compelling way. —Shane Perry
-
I see each envelope as a miniature narrative of three parts: Solid lettering; innovative design or illustration; and selection of stamp relating to theme and its incorporation into the overall composition (though it isn’t imperative to use the stamp in this fashion, it can make a much more dynamic presentation). The very best envelopes bring all of these elements together and relate to each other. Great lettering and weak design or vice versa bring down the impact of the whole. It is really a synergy of the parts reflecting the theme. My advice to entrants is to think outside the box regarding the theme of that year—reject the most obvious ideas, especially the corny ones! Really let yourself go in thinking of different approaches to the subject. I entered the competition five or six times early on and found it a very interesting and challenging exercise. Just looking at the innovation of winning envelopes from previous years stimulates creativity. —Peggy Schiefelbein
-
Graceful Envelope Contest History
The Graceful Envelope Contest began almost by accident in 1995, when the Smithsonian Institution’s National Postal Museum decided to mount an informal display of expert calligraphy to accompany one of its workshops. Hundreds of calligraphers responded to the museum’s invitation to mail in envelopes artfully addressed to “The Graceful Envelope.” The result was an annual contest and exhibition celebrating hand lettering, design and the art of written correspondence. In 2001 the museum turned the competition over to the Washington Calligraphers Guild under the direction of Pat Blair. From 2003-2018 the National Association of Letter Carriers helped to administer it and exhibit the winners, led by contest coordinator Lorraine Swerdloff. Erin Cassidy took over from 2019 to 2023; the 2025 contest is bring handled by a committee, including Rosalee Anderson and Peggy Barlett.
Past Themes & Winning Envelopes
2024
With the theme Mapping the World's Cities, the 2024 Graceful Envelope Contest challenged artists to select a location and convey its unique attributes that put it “on the map.” Then—using artistry, lettering and the integration of postage stamps—capture the spirit of the special place.
Judging the 2024 contest--its 29th year--were US State Department calligrapher Samantha Singson, professional calligrapher and art educator Nahid Tootoonchi and professional calligrapher/illustrator Lubna Zahid.
2023
Be a fan and design an envelope that captures the attention of an actor, artist, athlete, politician, singer, writer or other public figure, living or dead. Winners of the 28th contest were selected based on hand lettering, creative interpretation of the theme and effective use of color and design, including incorporation of postage stamp(s).
Jurors: Suzanne Cunningham, a professional calligrapher with over 27 years of experience; Lindsey Bugbee, the calligrapher behind The Postman’s Knock, a resource for pointed pen; and Patrick Dea of Edelweiss Post, celebrating and promoting "real mail."
People’s Choice winner, chosen by Penny Post patrons: Karen Burgess
2022
Artists were challenged to capture on an envelope the magic of beginning to read (or write) a personal letter. Winners of this 27th competition were selected based on hand lettering, creative interpretation of the theme and effective use of color and design, including incorporation of postage stamp(s).
Entries were juried by Becky Larimer, White House calligrapher, and Jennifer Nicholson, State Department Presidential Commissions.
People’s Choice winner, chosen by Penny Post patrons: Christy Robb
2020-2021
Double Vision
The theme "Double Vision" was inspired by the year 2020, because only once a century does the year double up. But the Covid-19 pandemic halted WCG's normal contest schedule and the deadline was extended to March 2021.
Artists were challenged to capture on an envelope whatever they see in their personal Double Vision.
Adult entries were juried by current and retired White House Chief Calligraphers Lee Ann Clark and Pat Blair and professional calligrapher/illustrator Lubna Zahid. The three Student divisions were judged by professional calligraphers and art educators Susan Easton, Nahid Tootoonchi and Rebecca Solow.
People’s Choice winner, chosen by Penny Post patrons: Dorota Dylska
2019
Put Your Stamp On It
The 2019 theme, "Put Your Stamp On It," celebrated 25 years of the Graceful Envelope Contest and 125 years of US commemorative stamps.
Artists were challenged to create an envelope commemorating anything of their choosing—to Put Their Stamp On It. Winners were selected based on hand lettering, creative interpretation of the theme and effective use of color and design, including incorporation of postage stamp(s).
Adult entries were juried by retired White House Chief Calligrapher Pat Blair and professional calligraphers Sammy Little and Erin Cassidy. The three Student divisions were judged by professional calligraphers and art educators Kacie-Linn Engle, Susan Easton and Nahid Tootoonchi.