Shelbyville Central High School art teacher Angie Jackson’s Christmas ornament design is among the 95 featured at the governor’s mansion by First Lady Maria Lee.

Lee partnered with the Tennessee Arts Commission to select an artist from each Tennessee county to design an ornament that represented that county. Jackson’s ornament was fashioned with purple, blue, green, yellow and orange and features the county name and a Tennessee Walking Horse.

In addition to teaching at the high school, Jackson also owns Arty All the Time on the public square, which specializes in paint parties and art classes. She said Wednesday that she was honored to be selected by the state for the Christmas event, along with some very talented Tennessee artists.

Designs on the county ornaments range from mountains to pictures of country music stars. First Lady Lee recently held an open house to open the Christmas season in Tennessee.

“I was contacted by the governor’s office in the fall. When they asked me to create an ornament for Bedford County, I was really honored. The last person to paint an ornament here was Jerry Ward and I certainly don’t put myself in his category! He was a wonderful artist.” 

The late Ward was commissioned during his lifetime to paint and design for some famous people and at some historic places; he now has works in the Tennessee State Museum. One of his more well-known paintings is likely be the portrait of former President George H.W. Bush’s English springer spaniel Millie.

Jackson said she did a little brainstorming before she decided on the design for the Bedford County ornament.

Jackson said while there are many more wonderful attributes in this county, such as its people, beautiful countryside, great restaurants and more, there’s only so much room on a Christmas ornament. She began looking at a Bedford County map and noticed all of the highways that lead into the center; she had her theme.

“It reminded me of the way stained glass divides a picture up. I decided to draw an outline of Bedford County and make it colorful! Of course I needed something else and the first thing I thought of was a Walking Horse,” Jackson sau

The local educator said this has obviously been a crazy school year, but she managed through it all to get her ornament submitted to the arts commission. “I was thankful to get the ornament in on time and so I am so excited to see it on display!” 

Former First Lady Crissy Haslam first created the county ornament concept in 2012. Eight years later, First Lady Lee decided to continue that tradition; her virtual open house at the mansion this year was titled, “Christmas through the Years,” with the new ornaments each respectively showcased.

“Tennessee is home to some of the most gifted artisans in the world,” said First Lady Lee. “From tributes to Davy Crockett and Tina Turner to the mountains of East Tennessee and the blues of Beale Street, this county ornament collection captures Tennessee’s rich history, diversity and unwavering spirit.We are grateful to every artist who graciously donated their time and talent to this project.”