Castleton Graphic Design alumni Dustin Dattilio’s original artwork will be making its way to post offices and mailboxes nationwide, as his painting was recently chosen as the 2018 Wild Turkey Stamp by the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Currently living in Bridport, Vermont as a full-time artist, the 2014 graduate developed his growing passion for painting his junior year of college. In March of 2017 he received word that his painting “Morning Thunder” was selected as the 2018 National Wild Turkey Federation Stamp Print of the Year.
“It's a big accomplishment and is very exciting to see my work on the 2018 Wild Turkey Stamp,” explained Dattilio. “Some of my favorite wildlife artists that I look up to have had their work on the turkey stamp, so it's an honor to have my name and work next to theirs.”
Each year the federation selects one turkey-themed painting to be featured on the Wild Turkey Stamp Print of the Year, with submissions hailing from wildlife artists from all across the country. The annual stamp is priced at five dollars and is used to raise money for wild turkey habitat management and restoration.
In addition to having his work featured on the stamp, framed limited edition prints of the painting will also be available for purchase.
“They also do an edition of the print that is framed with all of the past selected stamps surrounding the new image, which is very exciting to see my work included in that,” said Dattilio.
With his painting featured all year long on letters across the country, Dattilio continues to work on his craft, creating commissioned paintings and wood burnings for people all over the United States.