Local Student Designs Unique Ornament to Benefit Arts Council
Natalie Catlett, currently a sophomore at ORHS sees more than sugarplums dancing in her head when she thinks of Christmas this year. While still at Jefferson Middle School, Natalie took part in a competition sponsored by Linkous and Green Jewelers as an Art Club project to benefit the Arts Council. The challenge was to represent four major artistic forms: instrumental, visual, dance and drama in such a way that could be depicted on a Christmas ornament. Says Jim Dodson, tragedy faces, ballet dancer, saxophone player and artist's palette are thematically pulled together with a transforming ribbon that encircles
the ornament."
Once Natalie's artwork was chosen, Lisa Green of Linkous and Green Jewelers had a prototype made. "It was gorgeous and exceeded our expectations in its beauty," says Lisa Green co-owner of the store. "This is the third competition we have sponsored for Jefferson Middle School. We are so pleased to be spear heading this effort to not only showcase the artwork of a talented young artist but to also reaffirm our commitment to the arts in our community. Art, whether visual or performance, is part of what defines our culture. We are grateful to have an Arts Council that supports our symphony, community band, art center, civic ballet, playhouse, and more. It has taken teamwork and time to see this project through. After everyone involved in the project saw the ornament prototype, we were able to order the ornaments that are now available for purchase. I need to point out that the production of each ornament takes seven days. A steel mold is used by the glass blowers to create the shape. The clear
glass ornament is then silvered. Next, the silvered glass is painted completely by hand and glittered. Only 120 of these ornaments have been made. We plan to have a signing by the artist during the holiday season. A portion of the sales will benefit the Arts Council."
For Natalie the project has been exciting, but only a small part of her academic career. "I had Mr. Dodson all through JMS and he was a wonderful art teacher. I was able to take art last year as a freshmen, but this year with playing French horn in the band and all my other academic classes... no. I am working on a painting right now though. I'm glad the ornament turned out so beautifully. Next year I'll be able to fit in an art class for sure!"
The ornaments sell for $50 and are available at the Linkous and Green Jewelry store located at 1060 Oak Ridge Turnpike and at Arts Council events. Interested individuals may also call the store at 865-482-1400.
