Palo Alto, California – The new PaperSpecs Gallery will officially open its virtual doors December 1, 2010.

"PaperSpecs Gallery is a dream that I've had for some time now, and I can't wait to share it with all those who have a similar passion for paper. This curated online space will give much-deserved recognition and visibility to the very best in design, paper and printing excellence," said Sabine Lenz, founder of PaperSpecs.com.

At the heart of PaperSpecs Gallery is a desire to inspire and expose great achievement in the graphic arts industry by showing how paper plays an integral part in carrying our most imaginative creative impulses out to the world – and how wonderful design and skillful printing transform paper into an unparalleled vehicle for communicating marketing messages or conveying individual thoughts and feelings.

"Through my experiences as a graphics arts judge, and writing about inspiring print projects, mill promotions and field samples covered in the PaperSpecs' newsletter, I'm fortunate to be able to see so much of the phenomenal work that's accomplished every day by the talented printers and creative designers in this business," said Lenz. "We encourage all those who would like to expose their own efforts to submit work to PaperSpecs Gallery."

There are six PaperSpecs Gallery categories: annual reports, brochures and marketing collateral, invitations and cards, letterhead and identity, packaging, and the sure-to-be-surprising "uncategorically good stuff." Designers, printers, paper merchants and clients are eligible to submit work for consideration via a handy electronic entry form.

One standout submission will be chosen each month for special recognition and will be prominently featured as the Design of the Month in PaperSpecs' newsletter, promotional releases, social media streams and YouTube channel. A panel of industry experts will select the Design of the Year.

Prizes, back stories, viewer ratings, surprise videos, and the fresh perspective of "The Gallery Gal" are all part of the new PaperSpecs Gallery. You'll discover the best qualities of paper and print and be inspired by the accomplishments of the people who bring the media to life.