Get ready for a stamp-tastic tribute to Colorado's natural beauty and a legendary photographer! John Fielder's legacy lives on, and his breathtaking images will soon adorn a U.S. stamp, celebrating Colorado's 150th birthday.
The renowned wildlife photographer, who sadly passed away in 2023, is being honored with his very own stamp edition, titled 'Colorado Statehood.' But here's where it gets controversial... or rather, artistic! The stamp features a stunning photo of Jagged Mountain, a 'thirteener' peak in the San Juan Range, captured by Fielder himself. With a design by Derry Noyes, this stamp is a true collaboration of artistic talents.
The U.S. Postal Service is hosting a free, public event on January 24th, at the History Colorado Center in Denver. It's a 'first-day-of-issue' celebration, and you're invited! Attendees can RSVP and be among the first to see and collect these commemorative stamps. But wait, there's more! The event's location is no coincidence; it coincides with the opening of History Colorado's John Fielder exhibit, 'Mountains Majesty: On the Summit with John Fielder.'
Fielder's exhibit showcases his iconic images of Colorado's diverse landscapes, from sun-kissed valleys to rugged mountain slopes. It's a visual feast and a tribute to his passion for capturing the state's natural wonders. And this is the part most people miss: Fielder generously donated his entire collection of 6,000 images to History Colorado before his death, ensuring his work would inspire future generations of photographers and nature enthusiasts.
'His photos evoke deep emotional connections,' says exhibition developer Katherine Mercier. 'This exhibition is our love letter to John Fielder and his extraordinary mountain photographs.'
You can explore History Colorado's John Fielder collection online for free, but there's nothing quite like seeing these images in person. So, will you attend the event and be part of this historic celebration? And here's a thought-provoking question: In what ways can art and photography preserve and celebrate a state's natural heritage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
