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. 

For this year’s contest, entrants were asked to celebrate an historic event which marked the beginning of something new — a collaboration, a discovery, an invention, a movement — which proved beneficial to society.

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A trio of judges -- Jenny Nicholson, former US Department of State calligrapher; Sammy Little, professional calligrapher with worldwide clientele; and Susan Easton, calligrapher and art educator -- selected the following envelopes from more than 200 entrants that Sammy described as "one glorious gem after another...made our job challenging but delightful."

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The winning envelopes are displayed below in slideshows, the envelopes advancing every 7 seconds. By hovering at the bottom of each image, the artist's name appears. Or click on any envelope to enlarge it, and advance to the next using the arrow.