KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 26, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- A greeting card can warm a heart, tickle a funny bone, woo a sweetheart, toast a bride, wave a goodbye, mend a quarrel, and much more.
Throughout the years, Hallmark has enjoyed listening to stories about how its greeting cards have touched people's lives. In a move to hear even more personal stories, a Hallmark greeting card writer and artist will visit the Chicago area June 7-9 to hear firsthand how cards have impacted people's lives and share their own sources of inspiration.
Senior artist and Illinois native Stacey Lamb and writing stylist Molly Wigand are eager to visit Chicago and speak to card senders. The local schedule includes these free events:
- June 7: 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Cafe Boost, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago
- June 8: 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Coffee Haus, 209 W. Golf Rd., Schaumburg
- June 8: 4-5 p.m. at Java & Juice, 111 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville
- June 8: 7-8 p.m. at the Aurora Public Library (West Branch), 233 S. Constitution Dr., Aurora
- June 9: 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Petersen's Ice Cream, 1100 Chicago Ave., Oak Park
Chicago is one of five cities "Hallmark Writers & Artists on Tour" will visit in 2005. Other tour stops include Austin, Texas; Milwaukee; Denver; and Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
About the Writer and Artist
Molly Wigand has had a lifelong affection for greeting cards, recalling that at a young age she thought that writing greeting cards for a living would be "halfway fun."
"I was right," Wigand says, "except it's not halfway fun, it's just plain fun."
Wigand often writes reality-based husband and wife cards, as well as cards focused on the positive aspects of aging.
"I always wanted to write cards and be a wife and mom," said Wigand, "and every time I contemplate my good fortune in being able to do all those things, I feel moved to write something really good for our consumers to sort of pay it forward."
Wigand, who has been at Hallmark for over two decades, also has written children's books and the Writer's Digest book, "How to Write and Sell Greeting Cards, Bumper Stickers, T-Shirts and Other Fun Stuff."
Stacey Lamb truly enjoys her job as an illustrator for Hallmark. "My personality seems to shine through my work," said Lamb. "I am a happy person who smiles a lot and if you look closely at my work, I incorporate smiles on everything."
In her 22 years at Hallmark, Lamb has worked on a variety of projects but mentions cards for children are her favorites.
Memories are the force for Lamb's creativity. "I think back to times as a child. What made me smile? What animals did I like? How did my mother's embrace make me feel? All of those kinds of memories show up in my work."
About the Tour Events
During the tour, Hallmark will ask participants to share their own stories about cards that have made a difference in their lives or touched someone they know. Seating for tour events is limited to approximately 20 to 25 guests per venue. Admission is free, and those interested in attending one of the events should call 800-565-6617 to RSVP by June 7.
In addition, anyone can submit a story about a favorite greeting card memory by visiting www.hallmark.com/meaningfulmoments or mailing it to Hallmark Writers and Artists on Tour, P.O. Box 417004, Mail Drop 288, Kansas City, MO 64141.
The Hallmark Cards, Inc. company logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1640