Merriman specializes in site-specific designs that fuse form and function working with glass and brushed metals. She has worked on a variety of projects from garden sculptures, screens to accent art. The creation of a holiday ornament presented a unique challenge that Merriman enthusiastically embraced.

"The White House asked that we work with specific colors (red-white-blue) and create a theme that highlighted the uniqueness of our community," said Merriman.  "I crushed up glass and began to see a design for the six inch plastic ornament provided to me by the White House. I used blue to create the Pacific Ocean streaming up into a river that led to the white glass representing the snow capped Mt. St. Helens. I introduced the color red at the top of the ornament suggesting a bright red sunset,"

This is the first year the White House has invited members of the House of Representatives to contribute to the White House Christmas Tree by selecting an artist to create an ornament. 

"From the Cascades to the Coast, Southwest Washington is blessed with some of the most beautiful country in the nation," said Congressman Baird.  "Kim has captured that beauty in her design, and I'm proud to see Southwest Washington represented on the White House Tree."

"I am pleased with the final product," said Merriman, "It's a privilege to be included in the White House Christmas as an artist and I thank Congressman Baird for allowing me the opportunity." 

Click here to see Kim with the Third District's Ornament.

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