For Release: Thursday, December 4, 2008
Contact: Mary Shalapin: 618-233-8026

LOCAL ARTIST’S CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT ADORNS WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE

Washington - A Christmas ornament, designed and decorated by Sharon Cox of O’Fallon, now hangs on the White House Christmas tree.

U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL), along with all other Members of Congress, received an invitation from First Lady, Laura Bush, to designate a constituent to decorate a Christmas ornament for the White House Christmas tree. Costello selected local artist, Sharon Cox who decorated an ornament with depictions of the Belleville Memorial fountain, the O’Fallon Veterans’ Memorial and a reproduction of the U.S. Congressional Seal.

Mrs. Cox and her husband, Dewayne, attended a reception at the White House on December 2, 2008, at which the White House Christmas Tree, decorated with 369 ornaments from artists across the country, was on display.

“Sharon Cox produced an ornament which is reflective of the 12th Congressional District and pays tribute to our nation’s veterans,” said Costello. “It is an excellent representation of Southwestern and Southern Illinois on the official White House Christmas tree.”

“Once in a lifetime truly defines my experience of being a part of the Congressional White House Ornament event for 2008,” said Sharon Cox after returning from Washington, D.C. “It was such an honor to be the artist chosen by Congressman Jerry Costello to paint an ornament depicting Southern Illinois District 12 for the 2008 White House Christmas tree.   I am so proud of our region and its many important landmarks and beautiful communities. Although I have had many wonderful experiences as an artist, including international shows and installations, being a part of the Congressional White House Christmas tree has definitely been the most significant to me personally.”

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