Places & Faces
Local Artist Designs Christmas Ornaments with Lake Charles Students for National Display
Louisiana’s First Lady, Supriya Jindal and Lake Charles artist, Susan Hebert visited A.A. Nelson Elementary School back in October to assist students in decorating Christmas ornaments that are currently on display on the 2013 National Christmas Tree, as well as the “Louisiana” tree, both of which are located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. “My inspiration for the ornament design comes from all the unique natural elements that are found in Louisiana,” says Hebert. “It was a wonderful experience working with the 5th grade students on this exciting project.” Each year, every state is asked to prepare 24 Christmas ornaments. Twenty-three of the ornaments are hung on the state Christmas tree as part of the National Christmas Tree display, and one of the ornaments is displayed on a Christmas tree in the White House Visitor Center showcasing each state ornament. “I want to thank Lake Charles artist Susan Hebert and the students of A.A. Nelson Elementary—this year’s ornament is truly a work of art,” First Lady Jindal says. “It is an honor for Louisiana to once again participate in this special Christmas event that features such a talented Louisiana artist alongside our creative students.” Hebert shares the tradition of designing Louisiana’s ornament with other great Louisiana artists including Josephine Busse, Tony Bernard and George Rodrigue.
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The front of the ornament features a pelican sitting in a nest made of Louisiana Spanish moss and a mallard duck tail feather. The reverse of the ornament is an alligator resting on a bed of cypress twigs.
First Lady Supriya Jindal and Lake Charles artist, Susan Hebert (center) pose with 5th Grade students at A.A. Nelson Elementary following the completion of the Louisiana Christmas ornament project.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living
December 2013