10/09/2026
I am so honored to have been given the opportunity to create an ornament representing Greeley County, which will be displayed on the State Holiday Tree at the Kansas State Capitol as part of the Governorβs Holiday Ornament Collection! π₯Ή
This ornament stretched me creatively in ways I wasn't quite expecting, but it was so much fun to step outside of my usual artwork and create something a little different. I wanted each element to tell a small part of the story of the place we call home.
The combine, cattle, and textured wheat, milo, and sunflowers are a reflection of how deeply rooted our community is in agriculture. Farming and ranching are such an important part of life here, and I knew they needed to be represented.
And of course, the backdrop had to be a sunset. If you've ever watched the sun go down over the wide-open skies of western Kansas, you know just how beautiful they can be.
I also wanted to include the Greeley County Museum, one of our community's original buildings and a place that holds so much of our history.
And finally, our school colors, mascot, and T Pride. A nod to the generations who came before us, the children growing up here today, and those who will carry our community into the future. It's a representation of the pride we have in our school, our people, and this little place we call home.
It was such a privilege to bring all of these pieces together into one ornament. A little glimpse of Greeley County, its history, its people, and the things that make it special.
I've been fortunate enough to call Greeley County home for the past ten years, and I hope I've made you proud. β€οΈ
