The ornaments from the great state of Alabama were designed by art students in grades six through nine from Alabama’s oldest and newest school, The Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies in Mobile, Alabama. Students illustrated official Alabama state symbols: blackberries, monarch butterflies, yellowhammers, black bears, camellias, and corn. They also illustrated their favorite things about Alabama including the USS Alabama battleship, football, Decatur balloon festivals, the United States’ first Mardi Gras, the Huntsville Space Center, the Lake Martin lighthouse, our gorgeous sunsets, beautiful white sands beaches, rivers, and historic buildings including their very own Barton dome.

Our ornaments are a representation of the culture, lifestyles, and things that are emblematic of our beautiful state of Arizona. Our goal was to capture the beauty and different aspects of living in Arizona. Many of the ornaments were inspired by personal life experiences. The students involved in the project are all Hispanic and reside along the US/Mexican border, therefore many designs were also inspired by life living on the border. Artistic methods that were used include blending techniques with media such as colored pencils, watercolors, and acrylic paints. The students enjoyed and are appreciative of this opportunity.

Happy Holidays from the Natural State! Our ornament collection is a reflection of what makes Arkansas beautiful and what makes Arkansas bountiful. It showcases what is unique not only about our state but our students’ interests. We have displayed our state’s symbols of quartz, honeybees, loblolly pines, milk, crops, and apple blossoms. Our collection highlights our state parks, our past history, and hopes of a bright future.

Pine Springs Day School third and fourth graders were very enthused to complete the Christmas Ornament Project. We chose a theme of designing our ornaments based on our Navajo Nation geography and using our culture and tradition to share with all during the Season of Giving. Even as we have limited knowledge of our own culture, we would like to learn more. We have a rich unique culture with knowledge in weaving rugs, silversmith, raising livestock, storytelling, having a strong kinship with family ties, and re-learn our scared language.

Nueva Vista Language Academy is a school in Delano with a rich background of diverse cultures and strong work ethic. Delano is a historic landmark for its farmworker’s movement led by individuals such as Cesar E. Chavez and Larry Itliong. Their town places grapes, almonds and pistachios in the hands of people around the world. Like the variety of crops produced, so are the cultures represented in the community. Being multilingual is one of the ways their school honors the diversity of cultures. Ornaments showcase the diverse crops and beautiful landmarks California offers along with Nueva Vista’s culture of inclusion.

Merino is a rural town with a population of 310. The K-12 school is the heart of the town. Because of our rural locale and our passion for the outdoors, we are uniquely suited to showcase colorful Colorado. Students from nine to nineteen show the breadth and beauty of Colorado. From mountains to meadows, mining to mesas, bison to butterflies and everything in between. See, in the ornaments, our geography, our wildlife, our outdoor sports, even part of our Native American heritage. Colorado is truly beautiful and Merino students know it and show it.

The 24 ornaments are from Andover Elementary School (Andover, CT). Connecticut may be the 3rd smallest state by land area, but immense with history and pride. Our first through sixth graders created scenes depicting Connecticut’s well-known bird, the American Robin, the Mountain Laurel flower, and the sperm whale. Many of these little works of art exhibit the Charter Oak tree, another of Connecticut’s living insignias. Our flag, flown in all of the eight counties waves the Latin motto translated as “he who transplanted still sustains”. Hartford’s skyscrapers are represented by one young artist, as is the 200-year-old fortress-like wall of Gillette Castle.

Within its modest 1,982 square miles Delaware has served as a geographical landmark for many events in our nation’s history. From being the first state to ratify the constitution in 1787, to being the home state of our current president, Mr. Joe Biden. Students at Laurel wanted to showcase that it is this, our history and geography, alongside its people that make Delaware beautiful. Students worked hard to represent our diverse state in just twenty-four ornaments. Our hope is that all Delawarean’s feel represented in this year’s National Tree Lighting, because being part of Delaware is a beautiful, tax free, thing.

The Department of Defense Education Activity’s 160 school are in 11 countries, seven U.S. states, and two U.S. territories, spanning 21 time zones around the world. Our 67,000 students are children of military families, and these ornaments reflect their unique life experiences. Military-connected children face a number of challenges – frequent moves, multiple schools, parents who may deploy to far flung corners of the globe, but they are resilient, adaptive, and able to overcome just about any challenge that comes along.

Our designs reflect the beauty and culture of Japan and of the Okinawa Prefecture. Grace shows us the beauty of the sunset over the ocean. Guinevere gives us Mount Fuji overlooking a Japanese village. Jayden was inspired by beaches and surfers, while Kayden was fascinated by sea turtles. Max depicts koi fish and lotus flowers in a pond. Molly was inspired by the Torii gate and cherry blossoms. For Piper, inspiration came from the coral reef and its abundant life forms. Lastly, Selene’s design depicts hibiscus flowers and a pair of Shisa, Okinawan guardian spirits.

The Department of Defense Education Activity’s 160 school are in 11 countries, seven U.S. states, and two U.S. territories, spanning 21 time zones around the world. Our 67,000 students are children of military families, and these ornaments reflect their unique life experiences. Military-connected children face a number of challenges – frequent moves, multiple schools, parents who may deploy to far flung corners of the globe, but they are resilient, adaptive, and able to overcome just about any challenge that comes along.

Heritage High School students created ornament designs based on the state of Georgia. The students researched and planned out their sketches in pencil and outlined with micron pens. Students completed by layering their colors with prismacolor color pencils. Many of the ideas created were based on fond memories that students have traveled or experienced in our state. Also, student researched and looked up facts and information about Georgia. We discussed places and traditions that represent our state from the Atlanta city skyline, blue ridge mountains, coast of Tybee island and historical site of Martin Luther King Jr.

Each ornament design represents a unique characteristic of Guam’s tropical geographic location, history, indigenous culture, beliefs, customs, people, it’s food, flora and fauna. The colors and symbols in the ornaments are inspired by the clear blue aqua marine landscapes, tropical flowers, luscious green scenery, landmarks and most especially the experiences of the beautiful people who call Guam home.

Stunning sunsets. A captivating full moon. Vibrant flowers. Each state can proudly show these visual wonders from where they stand. Our students at James Campbell High School can add a touch of the Pacific Ocean, the nene, or the honu to the list of incredible images which show the beauty of the land around us. And, of course, they can also add the humble shave ice and the colorful rainbow to remind ourselves and others of the many different cultures which makes Hawaii incredibly special.

At IACS, we value individualized artistic engagement. This project posed an amazing opportunity for our community of young artists to represent Idaho using their own individual styles. Students enrolled in Art 1, Art 2, and Studio Art submitted designs representing various state elements, such as: our state flower, bird, fossil, fruit, and note-worthy destinations, using a variety of mediums including colored pencil, water color, and digital art. I always encourage my students to participate in opportunities which allow them to share their artwork with the world. You never know how that can benefit their life path as an artist. Enjoy!

Our 2nd grade scholars at Betty Shabazz International Charter School were excited to learn about Illinois. We live in Chicago and learned about urban, suburban, and rural communities that make up our state. We were especially thrilled to grow our knowledge about Springfield and learn about our state’s symbol-the Northern Cardinal. By researching images, we were inspired to draw and capture different landforms, foods, and people of our state. Our scholars took pride in learning that our state’s symbol was chosen in 1929 and was voted as the State Bird by schoolchildren!

Art students conducted research and developed designs to reflect the wonderful fountains, yummy barbecue, and peaceful rolling hills of rural KS. We have abundance of sunflowers, sweet corns, and of course the classic red barns in the prairie. We are devoted fans of our local athletes, the KS City Chiefs and the Royals. There’s always exciting activities to participate around town, and we are proud to be considered Kind Kansans.

Louisiana’s culture and history give our French Acadian roots a unique flavor from our famous Cajun gumbo, to fresh seafood caught in local bayous. The rich River Region soil produces majestic oaks, cypress trees, and fragrant azalea, magnolia and camellia flowers, all along the mighty Mississippi River. Our culture and traditions are influenced by our French, Spanish, African, and German heritage. Our unique festivals, Mardi Gras parades, and second line jazz bands bring a vibrant sound to Louisiana. From the Superdome Saints to historic Bourbon Street, our music, art and people create a unique southern hospitality. As we say in Louisiana, “Let the good times roll!”

Seniors of Bangor High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy were given freedom to choose the media and subject for their response to the prompt: “What makes Maine beautiful?” Students used paint, pen and ink, marker, colored pencil, digital drawing programs and more to express themselves. Their work celebrates the beauty of Maine’s people, landscape, and diverse flora and fauna.

Students were inspired by researching Maryland icons and state symbols. They were delighted to discover many of the official state symbols not commonly known. We discussed using our recognizable flag as design support. They located images of interest and were encouraged to create clean illustrations for the ornament. Students enjoyed the process and were honored that their school was chosen to participate in this annual tradition.

Our ornaments were designed by fourth graders. Their art was inspired by nature and things that they love about living in Michigan.

Clover Ridge Elementary is located in Chaska, Minnesota and a proud member of Eastern Carver County Schools. Our mission is to develop self-directed, life-long learners. Each day, we strive to ensure that students, families, and staff are seen, heard, valued, trusted, and respected. We teach Clover PRIDE which includes being respectful, responsible, cooperative, and safe while having high expectations for the social, emotional, and academic growth and development of our learners. We are proud to live in this great state of Minnesota and represent the beauty in our diverse geography and our community.

The Mississippi ornaments were created by 8th-12th grade visual art students at Ida B. Wells APAC (Academic & Performing Arts Complex). After participating in group brainstorming sessions, students researched their selected theme & created an original design using pencil, markers, or colored pencils. Each ornament represents a small piece of what makes Mississippi beautiful. Themes include Walter Anderson, the Blues, Eudora Welty, Mississippi Delta, the state flag, state animals like white tail deer, catfish, honeybee, & mockingbirds, Grammy Museum, Brandy, Biloxi lighthouse, Windsor ruins, Mississippi Museum of Art, Jim Henson, & the Natchez Trace.

Our students were asked to design ornaments based on what makes Montana beautiful. They used a variety of mediums and students K-12 participated in creating their unique designs. Mountains, wildlife, and indigenous cultures were main themes seen throughout their artwork.

The ornament designs were created bt Bennington South Middle School students 6th through 8th grade. Students were given guidelines and then thought about what made our state beautiful. The students created the designs reflecting how they view our state. We discussed how Nebraska was the originator of Arbor Day and how we have more trees now then when the pioneers first settled into the state. We then looked at our state tree, the cottonwood, the state bird, the Western Meadowlarc, and the state flower, the Golden Rod. Some students learned even more about our history and culture. Students learned more about the native people that inhabited our state and the contributions they made. Once the designs were sketched out they started drawing on the template given. The students used colored pencils or watercolor pencil for the media.

The ornament designs submitted by Garside Junior High School scholars include not only an imaginative depiction of how these young minds interpret their home, but a true reflection of the beautiful Las Vegas culture in which they are being raised. Home Means Nevada to Garside Junior High’s hardworking and creative scholars! Our display features many of the Silver State’s most recognizable features, such as the Mountain Bluebird, Joshua trees, and our local Vegas Strip! Beautiful wildlife slithers through desert, explores the mountains, and touches down at Area 51, all aglow from the City of Lights in this stunning collection.

New Hampshire is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world. Our state’s natural beauty made it very easy for students to create ornaments representing New Hampshire. Our state flower is the lilac, this was represented by several students in their designs. The purple finch is our state bird which was also an attractive choice for several students to include in their ornament design. And of course, the natural beauty of our mountains, lakes and the current Fall foliage is a constant visual reminder of why people love New Hampshire. Additionally, the New Hampshire White Tail Deer was included on an ornament as well as a turtle because New Hampshire boasts having eight different varieties of turtles. This was an exciting and joyful experience for all of us at Arts Academy of New Hampshire and we are all humbled and thankful to be included.

Inspired by New Mexico’s impressive landscapes and diverse cultures, NMSA’s Senior Visual Arts Department students, who come from all over the state of New Mexico, created a series of ornaments that celebrates the landscape and culture of the desert southwest. Collectively, their ornament artwork features mesas, mountains, wildlife, wide vistas, and a fun blend of our distinct cultures, agriculture and industries, mythologies, and pastimes. They were delighted to take part and to share what they think is special about New Mexico.

Members of Marlboro Art Club, grades 9-12 created ornaments to represent New York State. Students looked up information and symbols that represent the state of New York to include in their designs. We are located 90 minutes north of New York City in the Hudson Valley. The valley is full of beautiful creatures and amazing apple orchards.

The Greene Central High School Visual Art II students created ornaments highlighting all of the beauty of North Carolina. Using materials such as watercolor, pencil and ink, each student focused on what they personally found unique and beautiful about the Tar Heel State. These talented students show us images from the beaches to the mountains and everything in between. Historic monuments and iconic structures are mixed in with state icons and endangered species that are familiar to North Carolinians. It is our goal to share our version of the beauty of North Carolina with all who view the ornaments.

The ornaments represented here have been created by student artists from drawing, painting and sculpture/ceramics classes here in Lima, Ohio. Student artists took their inspiration from nature and our surrounding community. We are a predominantly rural community with an abundance of deer, birds and fish. The changing seasons always make for beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the Midwest. We hope you enjoy their interpretation of our state.

The 7th and 8th grade students from Jenks Middle School’s Collaborative Art program created ornaments to represent the beauty they see in our great state. Students focused on state symbols and landmarks, and primarily worked with colored pencils and markers. Images include the scissortail flycatcher, the bison, the Oklahoma rose and Indian Blanket, the oft misunderstood symbol of both Oklahoma and Christmas, mistletoe, and our beautiful state tree, the Eastern Redbud. Students also depicted major Oklahoma landmarks such as the Tulsa Driller, Route 66, and the Blue Whale of Catoosa, along with many depictions of our breathtaking skies.

Oregon School for the Deaf proudly represents our beautiful state with these designs, showcasing scenes in nature, color that inspires us, the animals and wildlife that we love, and the joy we feel. Deaf and hard of hearing students, ages 5-18, participated in this activity, and all are bilingual in English and ASL- American Sign Language!

Students in the National Art Honor Society and Drawing & Painting Studio were inspired by Pennsylvania state symbols as well as familiar scenes that celebrate rural and historic Pennsylvania. Each student designed a rough draft, considering the natural beauty found throughout the state; highlighting the state tree – Eastern hemlock, state flower – mountain laurel, state animal – white-tailed deer, and even our state dog – Great Dane. From the rolling mountains to the cityscapes and even the constellations that will cross over the state’s sky this holiday season, students enjoyed exploring all parts of Pennsylvania together!

Students from Ms. Nora’s 5th grade class completed this years’ ornaments to represent Rhode Island. We are located in the suburbs of the city of Providence with diverse learning communities. Approximately 68% of our students are Latinx, 15% Black, 6.5% White, 4% Asian, 5.5% Multi-racial and 1% Native American. Approximately 31% of students are multilingual learners and these young artist experiences shine through their art. Inspiration came from what our “Ocean State” offers for our students including the State flower, tree, bird and beautiful views of light houses and views of their own homes. We used art media including color pencils, watercolor brushes, and ink pens.

The artwork from Saluda High school takes viewers on a journey around South Carolina. From the azure blue waters of the Grand Strand through the race car dirt tracks of the Midlands to the cattle fields of the up country and everywhere in between. Other pictures depict the images that define our state: The Boykin Spaniel, Yellow Jasmine, The Carolina wolf spider as well as the indigo blue State Flag. These students have worked hard to capture the essence of this great State. Hours of research and work have culminated in artwork that defines a school, community and a State.

South Dakota’s inspiration was the natural beauty that our state has to offer. We looked at the animals, sunsets and natural formations to help inspire our ornaments. We used a wide variety of materials from paint, to pens to colored pencils and markers to create our ornaments. We can only hope that we brought as much beauty to these ornaments as you can find in our great state.

Tennessee is divided into three parts: West, Middle, and East Tennessee. My art students are a combination art club and a few current art students who created an ornament. They picked a symbol of Tennessee from a photograph to draw from and colored it with washable markers. They outlined with a black Sharpie and rounded all the edges to make it look like stained glass. They also used a brush with water to create a watercolor effect. The stained glass style represents that Tennessee is divided into three parts but is unified and works together as one state.

We are all students in Mrs. Rosato’s classes. We are multilingual learners who have made Vermont our home. We are also her home base students who have families with deep roots in Vermont. We believe the state of Vermont is beautiful during all seasons and our inspiration comes from the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. At the heart of Vermont is the dairy farm and cows so we have depicted these landscapes as well. Vermont maple syrup is the best so we included images of maple trees. The fall foliage is spectacular and we captured the colors with an ombre blending technique. We also paid respect to our state flag, the state flower and state bird.

Our ornaments are inspired by world renowned Washington Color School painter and DC Public Schools Art Educator, Alma Thomas. Alma Thomas was famous for her colorful abstract paintings of Washington, DC. Similar to Ms. Thomas’s process, students chose locations in DC that inspired them and created abstract backgrounds in watercolor. Next, students used the gel medium image transfer process to collage an image of their chosen location on to their watercolor paintings. Last, students enhanced details of the image with oil pastel.

The students at Robert L. Bland Middle School created ornaments encapsulating what they felt made our great state of West Virginia beautiful. They created images of the New River Gorge, Beans Mill, and various landscapes containing our state animals and trees. They utilized a wide variety of art materials such as watercolor, colored pencils, and pen and ink. The students took great pride in having the opportunity to showcase their talents and show what makes West Virginia beautiful.

The Highland Community Schools fourth grade class would like to present their ornaments based on many of the amazing things that we love about Wisconsin. From breathtaking views to amazing architecture to famous people native to Wisconsin. Our fourth grade curriculum focuses on the study of Wisconsin’s history so it only seemed fitting to further that learning into the art room. We spent class time researching and choosing topics that we could translate into beautiful visual art. The Highland fourth grade class hopes you enjoy their hard work and love for all things Wisconsin.