This week on What's Up Wednesday, the numbers are aligning on this Earth Day, and we're here to celebrate with items that are made from recycled material and are recyclable themselves.
Just in time for Mother's Day, graduations, and other spring and summer celebrations, we have a new line of greeting cards. New Mexico artist Pi Luna creates "paintings" from recycled magazines and arranges them into works of art. These cards feature two of those original art pieces, Rainbow and Glow. Blank on the inside, with a blank white envelope, they are perfect for any occasion.
Speaking of greeting cards, did you know we have an entire line of cards? In addition to Pi Lunas, we have greeting cards with balloon photos, and other artwork, including last year's poster. And don't forget the postcards, including that set of Route 66 cards that kicked off the 100th celebration of the historic road. Stock up now for all those expected and unexpected occasions ahead.
Also new to the store this week are three new stickers. One of these oval stickers features the Balloon Fiesta Corporate logo in full cover over a black background. The second has lots of balloons in the oval. The third is a white balloon and the letters AIBF over the black background. The first two are 5.5 x 3. The smaller AIBF sticker is 3.5 x 2 inches. These stickers work on your laptop, travel tumbler, or anywhere you want to show your support for balloons and Balloon Fiesta.
We mentioned last year's poster greeting card, and that brings us to an update on the 2026 official poster. This year's poster was commissioned through a board and staff committee process. The artist has been chosen and is already at work on this year's design. While we're not ready to reveal who it is, we can tell you that his art is on display around Albuquerque and could be in more public places after he completes the poster for Balloon Fiesta. A resident of Albuquerque for two decades, this artist likes to work in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media, with art from 5 inches to wall-covering murals. We plan to give you a sneak peek at the design in June with the official unveiling in July. The early drafts are looking great!
And one more update. When tickets went on sale earlier this month, we told you the physical tickets were at the printer and would be delayed. Unfortunately, we still don't have them yet. That means we're holding your ticket order and also your merchandise order if you included tickets. We're pressing to get them in-house sooner so we can get these orders shipping out to you. Remember that General Admission tickets don't sell out, so there's no hurry to get them. We apologize for the delay.
Next week on What's Up Wednesday, it's last-minute time for Mother's Day gifts that need to be shipped. Until then, Thanks for your support of Balloon Fiesta and Balloon Fiesta Stuff.