

Congratulations to the 2026
Graceful Envelope Contest Winners!
2026 THEME:
GREAT BEGINNINGS

The year 2026 marks two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Washington Calligraphers Guild and the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. These anniversaries recognize the importance of courage and creative action to begin a new venture.
Entrants were asked to celebrate an event that marked the beginning of something new—such as a collaboration, discovery, invention, or movement—that proved beneficial to society. Entries were judged by the representation of the contest theme, the quality of calligraphy or artistic lettering, and effective use of color and design including the incorporation of postage stamp(s).
A trio of judges -- Jenny Nicholson, former US Department of State calligrapher; Sammy Little, professional calligrapher with worldwide clientele; and Susan Easton, calligrapher and retired art educator -- selected the following envelopes from more than 200 entrants that Sammy described as "one creative gem after another...made our job challenging but delightful."
The winning envelopes are displayed below in slideshows, the envelopes advancing every 7 seconds. Hover at bottom of envelope to see the artist's name. Or click on any envelope to enlarge it and clearly read the artist's name; use the arrow to advance to the next.
MORE ABOUT THE WINNERS
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Download list of all 2026 GEC winners (pdf) or in Text format; view their envelopes below.
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More than 200 entries were received from 26 states and 9 other countries.
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Judges determined the number and designation of winners in each of the Graceful Envelope Contest's four divisions: Adults; grades 9-12; grades 5-8; grades 1-4.
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Certificates were emailed to all winners in mid-May 2026.
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View winning envelopes on Instagram (to come in June)
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Questions? Contact contest co-coordinator Peggy Barlett at pbarlett@emory.edu
2026 Graceful Envelope ADULT WINNERS
Theme: Great Beginnings (Slides change every 7 seconds)

Adult Winners of the 2026 Graceful Envelope Contest

Julie Gray (NE) received BEST IN SHOW in the 2026 Graceful Envelope Contest

Mary Lou Stropoli (MI) received Honorable Mention in the Adult Division, 2026 GEC

Adult Winners of the 2026 Graceful Envelope Contest
2026 Graceful Envelope STUDENT WINNERS
Theme: Great Beginnings (Slides change every 7 seconds)

List of all Student Winners of the 2026 Graceful Envelope Contest

Isha Tangri (CA) was named "Best in Division, Grades 9-12" in the 2026 GEC

Yuen Yat Tung (Hong Kong) received Honorable Mention in the Grades 1-4 Division, 2026 GEC

List of all Student Winners of the 2026 Graceful Envelope Contest