"Artistic License - The Duck Stamp Story," located in the Jeanette Cantrell Rudy Gallery, examines the history of the Federal Duck Stamp Program. First issued in 1934, revenues from the Federal Duck Stamp program are used to acquire and protect natural habitat for America's waterfowl. The gallery features two videos and a selection of rare duck stamps and other philatelic items highlighting the program's contribution to the conservation of the nation's waterfowl population. The gallery will be completely renovated for 2002. The theme for the new display is "Art and Artists." The planned opening of this exhibit is July 1, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. The new display will feature: Original Art - Four pieces of original art used to create the designs of Federal Duck Stamps will be displayed including the 2000 design, Mottled Duck by Adam Grimm. Also on display will be artwork from 1946, 1947 and 1986. Remarques - Unique collectibles created when the original artist paints or draws a picture on one of the stamps he designed. Some of the highlights are the unique remarques done by Maynard Reece, greatest of all duck stamp artists, and the story of his friendship with Jay N. Darling, the designer of the first federal duck stamp. State and Indian reservation duck stamps - Including a rare printing error of the 1976 Fort Peck (MT) tribal sportsman stamp. The first day ceremony for the 2002-03 federal duck stamp will be held at the same time and place; The National Postal Museum, #2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20560.