Holland America & Crane Stationery Partner With the United States Veterans’ Artists Alliance
“We are all the authors of our own story in this lifetime, and it’s up to us to decide how our story goes.” – Lindsay Cordero, United States Air Force veteran and artist
As part of Holland America’s partnership with Crane Stationery to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to showcase an exclusive collection of handcrafted stationery designed by artists from the United States Veterans’ Artists Alliance (USVAA). Available on board, we’re offering guests beautifully crafted cards inspired by our ships and signature tulip, inviting them to share their stories in a meaningful way.
Celebrating History With USVAA Artists
With its story beginning before the nation was founded, Crane has been the paper of presidents, pioneers, and iconic American moments; in fact, Paul Revere chose Crane paper for America’s first currency. We’re bringing their renowned paper craftsmanship on board, featuring exclusive stationery commissioned by veteran artists from the USVAA — a nonprofit supporting veteran creatives whose work will turn guest messages into meaningful keepsakes.
Meet The Artists
This collectible card collection is handcrafted and designed to celebrate the beauty of our ships and the creative journeys of those who have served. Printed on Crane’s iconic American-made stationery, you will have the opportunity to purchase these cards during a voyage to share personal stories or messages with loved ones.
We’re thrilled to feature three talented artists from the USVAA. Get to know each of them and what inspired their work.
Lindsay Cordero
A picture book author-illustrator and artist based in Washington D.C., Lindsay served as an officer in the United States Air Force before pivoting her career. Her mission is to bring more joy, belonging, and possibility to life through art and literacy. Here is an excerpt of our conversation with the artist:
Walk us through your creative process for this project.
“I started by reading about all the ships and the history of Holland America and Crane Stationery. I wanted all my artistic decisions to be informed not only by the relevant branding criteria, but also by the existing legacy of the brands. I wanted each ship to face its own direction, as each voyage you take is unique in where you go. I decided early on that I wanted to leverage collage in my approach: Just as Holland America and Crane Stationery connect and bring people together, I wanted to mirror this and bring different types of paper together in my overall painting.”
If someone could take away one message from your work, what would it be?
“I hope they are able to walk away with a greater sense of possibility in their own lives. What if you booked that voyage? What if you sent that letter? What if you invested in that dream? What if that opportunity is just waiting for you to finally say yes? We are all the authors of our own story in this lifetime, and it’s up to us to decide how our story goes.”
Amy Roberts
Growing up in Connecticut, Amy spent most of her time outside surrounded by nature which paved the way for her artistic style. Most of her body of work comes from her own travels and experiences, taking references from her own photographs. Amy joined USVAA during the middle of the pandemic and has loved getting to build a community of artists.
How did you approach creating artwork inspired by the Holland America ships?
“My inspiration was a very logical continuation of the nautical paintings that I have created over the years. I’ve been studying wind-powered boats, schooners, and sailboats, starting with my first ticket to attend the Gloucester Schooner Festival. I was excited to study these modern floating explorers.”
How do you hope guests will connect with your designs when they use these cards onboard?
“In this age of digital communication, I hope we see some return to handwritten correspondence worth saving and cherishing. I am an unabashed collector of mementos sent to me. These are small things that we can save, they take up little space and yet hold our memories.”
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Jen LaVita
After joining the Army ROTC during college, Jen served in the U.S. Army as an Air Defense Artillery Officer for four years before finding herself on the West Coast. She creates out of her studio, participates in live painting competitions, and serves as an Executive Board member of the USVAA. Jen used watercolor for her design with various color palettes to celebrate how each ship and cruise experience is unique.
How do you hope guests will connect with your designs when they use these cards onboard?
“I hope guests remember the magic of their trip and the feeling of being at sea, exploring the world, with windswept hair and salty skin. I hope they reflect, celebrate, and connect over how travel — and time at sea, leaves a lasting impression.”
What does being part of USVAA mean to you personally and professionally?
“After the military, I set out to pursue my artistic dreams and felt like I was starting over in life. I never imagined I would be able to keep my Army experience so close to me. Being a colleague of USVAA has made my military experience an asset, a celebration, and a belonging that I would not have had otherwise.”
We’re looking forward to sharing a piece of America’s history. It’s more than just stationery — it’s a celebration of American craftsmanship, creativity, and heritage.
