Joy Post Office in search of local talent

Joy Post Office in search of local talent

The Joy Post Office will once again sponsor a Holiday Pictorial Cancellation, featuring a local artist. The contest is open to all area residents, local artists, students and adults.

The Joy Post Office has been hosting the Holiday Pictorial Cancellation for the past 25 years, starting in 1985, with 2011 being the 26th annual event. Requests for the cancellation come in from all over the world. In 2009 and 2010, over 13,000 holiday cards and letters were hand-cancelled by Joy Postal employees, with some cancellations strictly for Philatelic purposes. Cancellations are done on any regular business day from December 1 - 31.

The featured design should represent the "Joy" Holiday theme. Artwork must be original previously unpublished work, and may be submitted by any artist. For cancellation purposes, artwork may be no larger than four inches wide and two inches tall. Original designs may be larger, and then reduced to accommodate the required size, making sure not to lose any detail in reduction. The name of the exhibition or event should be followed by the word "Station" or "Sta." Examples are: Holiday Station, Peace on Earth Station, Joy Station or Season's Greetings Station. It is recommended that you refrain from using the word "Christmas" as not all people celebrate Christmas. A cancellation date (December 24, 2011) and Joy, IL 61260 (abbreviated or spelled out) must also be incorporated into the artwork. The deadline for submissions is September 19, 2011.

Original artwork will be displayed at the Joy Post Office from September 21 though October 1, during regular business hours. The artwork will be judged and voted on by area residents during that time. Shortly thereafter, the lucky winner will be notified and release forms will be signed for use of the artwork.

If you would like to be included in the history of the Joy Post Office and to have your talent seen all over the world, please submit your artwork in person to the Joy Post Office, 202 W. Main St., Joy; or by mail to:

Holiday Cancellation

Joy Post Office

P.O. Box 9998

Joy, IL 61260-9998

Please include artist's name, address and phone number on a separate piece of paper. If you have any questions or would like any additional information, please contact the Joy Post Office, Paula Rath or Linda Long at 309-584-4851.