Contact: Tara Hendershott, Washington, D.C., 202-224-5444
December 03, 2008
Contact: Tara Hendershott, Washington, D.C., 202-224-5444 |
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 03, 2008 |
Washington, D.C. – Senator Bob Bennett (R-Utah) welcomed Donna Kearney, an artist from Ogden, Utah, to Washington, D.C. this week for the unveiling of the White House Christmas Tree, which includes an ornament made by Kearney to represent Utah. Bennett selected Kearney to design the state ornament for the White House tree.
“Donna Kearney’s artwork captures the beauty of our state and I am proud to have her represent Utah,” said Bennett. “Joyce and I look forward to seeing her ornament hanging on the White House Christmas Tree during this holiday season.”
“This is an experience I will never forget,” said Kearney. “As I designed the ornament, I felt a special sense of pride to be a Utahn. I am honored to be selected by Senator Bennett to represent our beautiful state at the White House.
Each year, first lady Laura Bush chooses a theme for the White House Christmas tree. This year, Mrs. Bush invited members of congress to select an artist to create a scene that symbolizes the area and the White House holiday theme, “A Red, White and Blue Christmas.”
After meeting with Bennett, Kearney joined Mrs. Bush and artists from across the country at the White House Holiday Open House where Kearney was able to see her Utah ornament hanging on the Christmas tree.
Kearney says her trip to Washington, D.C. would not have been possible without the help of the Weber County Commission. The commission funded Kearney’s travel and lodging expenses so she could attend the White House ceremony to see her ornament on display. Kearney is the mother of eight children and four stepchildren. She has been teaching art for over 20 years to students of all ages, including those with special needs. Kearney has small cell lymphatic lymphoma and leukemia and says she will not put down her brush until she takes her last breath; and she plans that event to be far in the future. Attached is a picture of the ornament as well as a picture of Senator Bennett welcoming Donna Kearney to Washington, D.C.
Senator Bob Bennett welcomes Donna Kearney to Washington, D.C.
Kearney’s ornament measures nearly 10 inches in diameter and is decorated with white acrylic to make layers of snow. The ornament is a representation of Utah symbols and characteristics, including seagulls, elk, sego lilies, bees, blue spruces and copper.