NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a virtual Christmas tour of the Tennessee Residence released this week, Tennessee first lady Maria Lee unveiled a new county ornament collection created by artists across the state.
From our area, artists who created ornaments are: Henry County, Donna Revelee; Carroll County Paige Espey; Obion County Linda St. Clair; Stewart County Ben Lemons; Benton County Michael Woods; Weakley County Cara Zarecor; Lake County Peggy Burrus.
“Tennessee is home to some of the most gifted artisans in the world,” said Lee. “From tributes to Davy Crockett and Tina Turner to the mountains of East Tennessee and the blues of Beale Street, this county ornament collection captures Tennessee’s rich history, diversity and unwavering spirit. We are grateful to every artist who graciously donated their time and talent to this project.”
Lee partnered with the Tennessee Arts Commission to select an artist from each of Tennessee’s 95 counties to design an ornament that represented that county.
The original county ornament collection was first commissioned by former first lady Crissy Haslam in 2012. Those ornaments were displayed every holiday season during the Haslam administration. The new county ornament collection is viewable on the Tennessee Residence website. High resolution photos are available upon request.