Metairie Artist Chosen to Design White House Christmas Ornament

Ornament to be displayed on White House Tree, Artist selected by Congressman Scalise

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Washington, DC -- Kathline Malone, an artist from Metairie, was selected by Congressman Steve Scalise (R-Jefferson) to design an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree. Each year the First Lady selects a different theme for the Tree. This year, Laura Bush invited Members of Congress to choose an artist to design an ornament that represents their district.

“Kathline Malone’s ornament does a wonderful job portraying our district,” Scalise said. “It is great that Kathline was able to travel to Washington to join in the holiday festivities at the White House.”

Malone’s ornament was inspired by her love for the Greater New Orleans area and her personal involvement in hurricane recovery projects. Malone also found inspiration from the song, “Our Home, Louisiana,” written by Jeb Epstein.

“This song made me realize that Louisiana was our world and our life,” Malone said.

Her ornament features four different fleurs-de-lis to represent the different and unique regions of Louisiana. In the background, you can see the effect of old street signs in tiles on the street corners where Malone has listed many landmarks and customs of Louisiana.

Malone will attend a reception at the White House today with the other ornament artists. After the holiday season the ornaments will become part of the White House Collection.  

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Contact: Luke Bolar
202-226-4309