"WHITE House 2007 Holiday Theme “National Park Centennial"
This holiday season to mark the centennial of our National Park system, each park received Christmas ornaments to be decorated representing the features unique to each park or recreation area. The decorated balls will hang in the White House on the Blue Room Christmas Tree this holiday season. Letitia Lussier a local artist of Park City, UT had the privilege of painting two such ornaments this summer while volunteering as an interpretive ranger at North Cascade National Park in Stehekin, Washington.
Specific guidelines were included with each 7” diameter gold ball. Any medium that did not alter the size and shape of the gold ball was acceptable. The artist used acrylic paint to decorate the two ornaments. Following the holidays they will become part of the White House permanent ornament collection.
The first ornament is of North Cascades National Park and it portrays a view of snow-capped “Agnes” mountain. Letitia lived in a backcountry cabin at the base of Agnes Gorge with its namesake peak visible from the cabin. This scene was selected as its grandeur and majestic qualities thoroughly embody the wilderness characteristics of North Cascades.
The second ornament illustrates some of the wildlife native to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Harlequin Ducks, shown in the water beneath Harlequin Bridge, can often be seen floating along the upper reaches of the Stehekin River. The multiple glaciers comprising the backbone of the park’s interior give the river its unique deep turquoise color. The artist is an avid birder and the selection of the ducks was chosen as the First Lady enjoys watching birds as well.
The White House extends an invitation to all contributing artists for the Holiday Open House and the dedication of the Christmas tree. Letitia and a guest attended the festivities.
This holiday season to mark the centennial of our National Park system, each park received Christmas ornaments to be decorated representing the features unique to each park or recreation area. The decorated balls will hang in the White House on the Blue Room Christmas Tree this holiday season. Letitia Lussier a local artist of Park City, UT had the privilege of painting two such ornaments this summer while volunteering as an interpretive ranger at North Cascade National Park in Stehekin, Washington.
Specific guidelines were included with each 7” diameter gold ball. Any medium that did not alter the size and shape of the gold ball was acceptable. The artist used acrylic paint to decorate the two ornaments. Following the holidays they will become part of the White House permanent ornament collection.
The first ornament is of North Cascades National Park and it portrays a view of snow-capped “Agnes” mountain. Letitia lived in a backcountry cabin at the base of Agnes Gorge with its namesake peak visible from the cabin. This scene was selected as its grandeur and majestic qualities thoroughly embody the wilderness characteristics of North Cascades.
The second ornament illustrates some of the wildlife native to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Harlequin Ducks, shown in the water beneath Harlequin Bridge, can often be seen floating along the upper reaches of the Stehekin River. The multiple glaciers comprising the backbone of the park’s interior give the river its unique deep turquoise color. The artist is an avid birder and the selection of the ducks was chosen as the First Lady enjoys watching birds as well.
The White House extends an invitation to all contributing artists for the Holiday Open House and the dedication of the Christmas tree. Letitia and a guest attended the festivities.