On 9 June, we release this year’s stamp booklet paying tribute to children’s ingenuity and creative joy. Eight drawings created by students at the School of Art & Design in Mariehamn were selected as motifs for stamps, first day cover, maximum card, and cancellations.
Stamps as small works of art
The stamp issue is the result of creative cooperation between Åland Post Stamps and the School of Art & Design in Mariehamn. Under the guidance of visual art teachers Tiina Barck, Kirsi Strand and Carolina Sundelin, art school students aged 6 – 16 were asked to freely create drawings.
“With the issue, we wish to highlight children’s culture, encourage co-creation and inclusion, and, at the same time, arouse interest in stamps as miniature works of art. Inspired by the Picasso quote Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up, we celebrate children’s unique ability to create and express themselves through art,” says Johanna Finne, design manager at Åland Post Stamps.
A colourful journey through children's Åland
The selected works of art show an imaginative and colourful interpretation of Åland.
“The children’s imaginative artwork offers a colourful journey of discovery through the natural world – full of shapes, colours, materials, sounds, and scents. The images raise questions about our perception of nature, making us reflect on our own place in it. The art and the children’s creativity are both moving and inspiring,” Johanna at Åland Post Stamps says.
Stamp collaboration that inspires and develops
For the School of Art & Design, the project has provided a significant opportunity to highlight its activities and, at the same time, celebrate the school's 40th anniversary in 2025.
“Our cooperation with Åland Post Stamps has been an enjoyable way to highlight the activities of the school and all talented students. The project has been an educational and creative journey for the children who have had the chance to understand the process behind a stamp and see their ideas turned into stamps,” says Gudrun Gudmundsen, director of the School of Art & Design.
About the School of Art & Design
Founded in 1985, the School of Art & Design is located in Mariehamn. It offers art and design courses for children and young people between the ages of 5 and 19 and strives to stimulate and develop students’ creativity and understanding of the various aspects of art.
A joyful addition to your collection of Åland stamps!
Order stamp booklet, first day cover and maximum card in the webshop.
Facts about the issue:
Name of issue: Children’s Åland
Date of issue: 9 June2025
Stamp artists: Joel Höglund, Elsa Carlström, Sofia Topoeva, Lowa Johansson
Artist FDC: Frida Carlsson
Artist maximum card: Anna Sophia Czajkowksi
Artist first day cancel: Mathilda Jansson
Artist special cancel: Michelle Horner
Design: Johanna Finne
Edition: 15 000
Denomination: 8 × Inrikes (€28)
Price FDC: €15
Price maximum card: €4.50
Stamp size: 26.25 × 35 mm
Booklet size, unfolded: 62 ×110 mm
Stamps/booklet: 2 × 4 stamps
Paper: 110 g/m2
Perforation: 13 per 2 cm
Process: 4-colour offset
Printer: Joh. Enschedé
