America’s Happy States revives Joe Seipel’s decades-old vision through a new Richmond-rooted brand

America’s Happy States, a new lifestyle brand built around cheerful, state-themed designs, officially launched on December 5th, carrying forward a creative idea first imagined decades ago by late Richmond artist and educator Joe Seipel.

Chloe Callahan

The concept traces back to the 1980s, when Seipel — a longtime professor and former dean of VCUarts — developed playful artwork centered on the idea that happiness is something worth sharing. More than 40 years later, his daughter, Chloe (Seipel) Callahan, has revived and expanded that vision as a modern brand following her father’s death from pancreatic cancer in June of 2024.

The initial launch includes apparel designs for Virginia, Pennsylvania, and California, with additional states planned for release in the coming months. Each design features the brand’s central message: “Smile and say, I’m in a happy state.”

Callahan said the project is both personal and purposeful, blending her father’s artistic legacy with causes that mattered deeply to him and their family.

A portion of proceeds from Virginia sales will benefit VCUarts, the institution where Seipel spent 42 years teaching and shaping generations of artists. Sales from all other states will support pancreatic cancer research.

Joe Seipel, left (courtesy America’s Happy States)

Joe Seipel was widely recognized in Richmond for his impact on the city’s arts community, both through his own work and his leadership at VCUarts. America’s Happy States aims to reflect that legacy through accessible, optimistic designs rooted in his original ideas.

The full collection and additional information are available on the America’s Happy States website here. Updates and new releases are also shared on Instagram at @happy_states_of_america.