Saul Mandel (1926 - 2011) "Stampin' the Future - Astronaut with Flag" Signed lower right. Oil on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 33c Stampin' the Future Combination Strip of 4 issued July 13, 2000. This delightful painting was created by Saul Mandel to complement the 33? Strip of 4 Stampin' the Future contest winners. Stampin' the Future was a global stamp design contest sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service. Its purpose was to encourage school-age children around the world to share their visions of the future. A total of 27 world postal administrations hosted Stampin' the Future competitions, including Aruba, Argentina, Brazil, China, Faroe Islands, France, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Suriname and Uruguay. Four children won the U.S. competition. Their designs were made into 33? commemorative stamps issued on July 13, 2000. The First Day of Issue ceremony took place during the World Stamp Expo 2000 at Anaheim, California. Image Size: 13 x 10 in. Overall Size: 17 x 11 in. Unframed. (B16622)