USPS Needed Stamps For Its 250th Anniversary. Local Cartoonist Chris Ware Delivered

The United States Postal Service celebrates its 250th anniversary with the launch of a new stamp designed by renowned Chicago cartoonist Chris Ware. Titled “250 Years of Delivering,” the stamp series illustrates the life of a mail carrier making deliveries throughout a bustling city across all four seasons. Ware, who is known for his detailed comics, collaborated with Antonio Alcalá to create the artwork and stamp pane, marking a unique storytelling approach in USPS history. “I was hoping to make something that a letter carrier might happen to see and maybe feel some connection to,” he remarked. This commemorative release will also feature a 32-page prestige booklet, enhancing the celebration of the postal service's legacy.

Ware's artistic achievements have garnered international recognition, with his work displayed in prestigious venues like the Whitney Biennial. The stamps incorporate significant elements from the USPS's history, including various postal vehicles and a pony express rider statue. This initiative not only honors the agency's long-standing service but also showcases the talent within the Chicago art scene.