10/17/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin today introduced the 2011 West Virginia Governor's Mansion limited edition holiday ornament during a reception at the West Virginia State Museum Gift Shop at the Culture Center in Charleston. The reception was free and open to the public, and First Lady Tomblin signed ornament cards for individuals who purchased the ornament during and after the event.
This year's ornament is the second in First Lady Tomblin's holiday ornament series and is hand painted by Logan native and Alum Creek, W.Va. resident artist Shelley Goodman. The clear glass ornament features West Virginia's state flower, the Rhododendron, as well as a charming green hummingbird.
"I was pleased to be able to work with Tamarack and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History to select these unique ornaments that feature our state's symbols and also help to raise funds to preserve the Governor's Mansion," First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin said.
"Shelley's colorful, hand-painted ornaments bring our state symbols to life," Tomblin said. "She is extremely dedicated and pays such close attention to detail, and we are pleased to have her bring her creative touch to this year's holiday ornament."
Goodman is a self-taught artist who uses enamel paints to create detailed nature and floral paintings. She most often adds her touch to glassware used in kitchens, but she also greatly enjoys the challenge of designing and executing the Governor's Mansion holiday ornaments each year. Her works, titled "Designs by Shelley," are sold at Tamarack in Beckley. Goodman also designed last year's Governor's Mansion holiday ornament featuring the Cardinal.
The Tamarack Foundation provided support for the Governor's Mansion ornament with a grant that helped with packaging. Dunbar artist Steve Cassle's drawing of the Governor's Mansion is featured on the ornament card.
This year's ornament sells for $20.00. A portion of each sale will be donated to the West Virginia Governor's Mansion Preservation Fund to help preserve the mansion for future generations. The ornament is available at the West Virginia State Museum Shop at the Culture Center (304-205-7911) and at Tamarack in Beckley (1-88 TAMARACK) as well as online at the Tamarack web site,
www.tamarackwv.com.
Contact Information
Tina Amburgey
304-558-3588