WABASH COUNTY, IN- Visit Wabash County officials announce the on-sale date for the 10th annual Visit Wabash County exclusive Christmas ornament as November 15 at 10 AM. Featuring the talents of Wabash County artist Maggie Gibbons, the commemorative ornament is $30 and can be purchased in person at the Welcome Center or online.
The 2022 ornament is the 10th in a series with only 100 available for purchase. Gibbons’ first visit with the Wabash Art Guild to a glass-fusing art studio sparked her instant connection to practicing the art of infusing glass. With a love of photography, Kumihimo bead weaving, watercolor, and infused glass, Gibbons now owns 3 kilns and has learned to blend her joy of painting with glass.
Each of the 2022 ornaments are hand-painted on glass infused at Gibbons studio in Wabash County. Showcasing the Wabash County Courthouse with the traditional Christmas lights strung from the cupola, the ornament’s hanger is hand-beaded using the Kumihimo bead weaving technique.
“When I think of Wabash County, I always think of how we were the first electrically lighted city,” said Gibbons. “The architectural beauty of the courthouse makes for a stunning ornament.”
The program started 10 years ago as a way to showcase the incredible artistic talent right here in Wabash County. The first year of the ornament program only offered 50 ornaments which sold out in just a few days. In the second year, the number of available ornaments doubled and still continue to sell out quickly.
“All of the ornament artisans have a deep-rooted love for the county which is reflected in their individual design and execution of the annual ornament,” said Jennifer Long-Dillon, tourism manager at Visit Wabash County. “Each ornament is very different from the one that proceeded it and Maggie’s creation for this year has captured the magic of the holidays in a small town, in our town.”
Ornaments ordered online must be picked up at the Welcome Center during normal business hours as shipping is not an option due to the fragile nature of each piece.
“I offer heartfelt thanks to all ten contributing artists for producing beautiful and memorable ornaments,” said Long-Dillon “It brings me great joy knowing a tiny piece of Wabash County is now part of your holiday traditions for years to come.”
For more information about the 2022 Visit Wabash County Ornament, please contact Jennifer via email at jennifer@visitwabashcounty.com or by phone at 260-563-7171.