US Capitol Christmas Tree 2011 Ornament Due Date EXTENDED send them to us as you complete them prior to August 31 2011
Reprint of the Ornament information: Because of the size, over five thousand ornaments will be needed to decorate it. This year, participants in California are being asked to submit their own beautifully handcrafted ornaments, all based around the theme “California Shines.” Schools, children’s groups, and adult groups are all asked to participate, allowing every resident to contribute their unique point-of-view about what makes California really special. While a lot of ornaments will be required for the big tree, not all of those submitted will be chosen. However, there’s also an open call for nearly two thousand other ornaments to decorate smaller trees in offices in the D.C. area. Each ornament will be used for this year only, and can’t be sent back to the sender, so crafters are urged to submit their original, well-crafted ornament designs, but not sentimentally valuable pieces, or those made from expensive materials.
| Contact Information: Please call and leave a message for the Capitol Christmas Tree Ornament Committee at 209-586-3234 ext 602. Someone will get back to you shortly. You may also email our Ornament Coordinator: Phyllis Ashmead, US Forest Service: [email protected]. Visit the rest of this website to learn more about the rich traditions surrounding the annual Capitol Christmas Tree project, the details of California’s 2011 effort, and the many partners and sponsors who are working together to coordinate this effort. |
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Overview of the the Handmade Ornament Campaign
An opportunity for artists – One & all to participate in the 2011 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Ornament Project
California has been asked to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be displayed in Washington, D.C. throughout the 2011 Christmas season.
This 60 foot tree is coming from our own Stanislaus National Forest located in the central Sierra Nevada. A tree from our Range of Light will symbolize the theme of “California Shines” and will be a gift to the nation from California. The tree will serve as the holiday centerpiece on the Capitol lawn.
We will provide 5,000 handmade ornaments to adorn the tree. We have also been asked to provide approximately 100 smaller trees to decorate offices throughout the Washington, D.C. area, and those will need approximately 2,000 ornaments. It’s clear to those of us organizing the project – we need the help of all artistically-inclined Californian’s to make this happen!
Ornament Theme
The ornaments will showcase all that is special about California by reflecting the theme, “California Shines.” From the Pacific Ocean to the sparkling deserts, from the high mountain peaks to its forests, rivers and abundant Central Valley, the diversity of nature and the people who live here are what make the great state of California shine.
Kind of Ornaments Needed
Ornaments will reflect the theme, “California Shines” by showing how the rich cultural and ecological diversity of this state makes it shine. Two types of ornaments are needed:
5,000 ornaments for the large, outdoor tree
2,000 ornaments for the smaller, indoor “companion” trees
Who Can Participate
We invite participation from everyone – school classes, scout troops, 4-H Clubs, art councils, civic organizations and all other interested youth and adult groups. Members of your group will have a unique opportunity to join a long standing national tradition and create ornaments for this special California project!
Where & When
The Stanislaus National Forest will collect all ornaments prior to shipping them to Washington D.C. Ornaments created should be received by June 30, 2011. It will be a HUGE help to those who will sort and repack the ornaments if you can send them to us as you complete them, prior to June 30, 2011.
Ship ornaments to:
Mi-Wok Ranger District
Stanislaus National Forest
Attention: Capitol Christmas Tree Ornaments
P.O. Box 100
24695 Highway 108
Mi-Wuk Village, California 95346
What’s Involved:
There are three key points to keep in mind before you get started.
It is important to follow the guidelines listed on the Ornament Criteria sheet for the ornaments you want to make. The criteria are very different for those destined for the outside tree versus those made for indoor trees.
We encourage use of recycled and natural materials. No ornaments can be returned, there is no guarantee which ornaments will be selected by the Capitol Architect for actual use, and outdoor ornaments are used for only one year. So while they should be beautiful and thoughtfully created, valuable artwork is not appropriate, especially for the outdoor tree.
You might wish to check in with our Ornament Committee (see contact information at the bottom of this page) to confirm what type of ornaments are most needed before you start your project.
Criteria & Forms:
Indoor Ornament Criteria
Outdoor Ornament Criteria
Ornament Submission Form
Entry Form for the Tree Lighting Trip
Ornament Designs:
Ornaments should reflect the theme “California Shines” by showing how the rich cultural and ecological diversity of this state makes it shine. Your creativity is welcomed as long as it meets the ornament criteria. It may be helpful to look at ornaments we created as examples to help inspire you.
Events to Participate in:
June 30 – Ornaments due EXTENDATED to August 31, 2011
Criteria & Forms:
Indoor Ornament Criteria
Outdoor Ornament Criteria
Ornament Submission Form
Entry Form for the Tree Lighting Trip
July 7-10 - California Shines! Booth at Tuolumne County Fair
July 14-31 - California Shines! Booth at California State Fair
July 15 – Song Search Due Date
How to Enter
• Open to all Californians, at least 18 years of age
• Record an original, production quality CD
• Print, complete, and sign the entry form
• Mail entry form and CD to USFS by July 12, 2011
August 1 – Art Contest Due Date – Click here to download the Juried Art Exhibition Entry Form.
August 31 – Art Contest Winner Announced
September 10 – California Shines! Booth at Tuolumne Me-Wuk 100th Anniversary Acorn Festival
November 5-6 – Tree Cutting celebration at the Sonora Fairgrounds
November 8 - California Tour Begins
November 15 - Cross Country Tour Begins – First Stop, Flagstaff, AZ
November 28 - Tree Arrives in Washington, D.C.
At every event and celebration for the 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree we will be collecting non-perishable food to be donated to a local food bank. This is an important part of our program to give back to the communities who participate in this celebration.
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