Capitol Christmas Tree 2008 - A gift from Montana!

In addition to providing the tree that will serve as the holiday centerpiece on the Capitol Lawn, we
need to provide 5000 handmade ornaments to adorn the tree. We have also been asked to
provide 75 smaller trees to decorate offices through the Washington D.C. area, and those will need
a few ornaments too. It’s clear to those of us organizing the project - we need the help of all
artistically-inclined Montanans to make this happen!

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
Montana project!

IMPORTANT: Schools need to have ornaments to us by May 1st!

What? Ornaments will reflect the theme, “Sharing Montana’s
Treasures”. Two types of ornaments are needed:
• 5000 ornaments for the large, outdoor tree and
• 750 ornaments for the smaller, indoor “companion” trees.

Where & When? The Bitterroot National Forest will collect all ornaments prior to shipping them to
D.C. Ornaments must be received by the Forest, by September 30, 2008. However, it would be a
HUGE help to those who will sort and repack the ornaments to get them throughout the year –
preferably by early summer 2008, to avoid a last minute scramble. Ship ornaments to: Nan
Christianson, Bitterroot National Forest, 1801 N 1st Street, Hamilton, MT 59840

What’s Involved? There are three key points to keep in mind before you get started.
• It is important to use the criteria supplied by the Architect of the Capitol - Washington, DC 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. Download Outdoor and
Indoor Criteria Sheets.
• No ornaments can be returned, there is no guarantee which ornaments will be selected by the
Capitol Architect for actual use, and ornaments are used for only one year, so while they should be
beautiful and thoughtfully created, valuable artwork is not appropriate.
• If it’s possible, check in with one of our Ornament Coordinators (see contact information at the
bottom of this page) to confirm what type of ornaments are most needed before you start your
project.

Bonus: Each Young Montanan between the ages of 5 and 19 who submits an ornament may
complete a Trip Entry Form to enter to win a FREE TRIP to the official Tree Lighting in Washington,
DC in early December 2008!

An Added Bonus! The winner will be able to invite one parent to accompany him/her. All expenses
will be paid!

More Information? Just call email or call J oyce Stennes, 406-363-7272. We’ll welcome your
involvement. We’ll post pictures of Montanans making ornaments, and the resulting individual
ornaments, on the Photo Gallery page. Please take a few pictures of your group and your
ornaments and provide those to us in a digital format – either via email or on a CD shipped with
your ornaments.

An Opportunity for Artists - One and All!