Ornaments by local Jackson artist dazzle President’s Park (White House) in Washington, D.C. as part of the 95th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting display. Sheryl Amburgey from Jackson designed ornaments that showcase the beauty of Michigan’s state flower, the apple blossom.
The handcrafted ornaments adorn one of 56 trees representing each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia from December 1, 2017 through January 1, 2018 as part of the America Celebrates display.
“Living in Michigan my whole life, it was an honor to be chosen to represent my state as an artist,” Sheryl Amburgey, artist and owner of Essa Arts. “I’m excited to be a part of this years celebration of the National Christmas Tree Lighting.”
Well known for her stylized flowers, Sheryl was inspired to paint Michigan’s state flower, the apple blossom, over shades of blue to represent the great lakes. Each ornament has unique layers of acrylic paint, impasto, pen, beads, and ribbon. Sheryl is a mixed media artist, teacher of the arts for all ages, and owner of Essa Arts.
Presented by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation, the National Christmas Tree Lighting is one of America’s oldest holiday traditions. The first lighting took place 95 years ago on Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree in front of 3,000 spectators on the Ellipse. Since 1923, each succeeding president has carried on the tradition. This year’s lighting ceremony took place on Thursday, November 30. It will be broadcast throughout December on The Hallmark Channel.
For more event information and updates, visit www.thenationaltree.org and follow the National Christmas Tree on Twitter at @TheNationalTree. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #NCTL2017. You can watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at thenationaltree.org.
