Rockford Area Art’s Council program chosen to decorate national tree

By Northern Star Staff

The Rockford Area Arts Council’s ArtsPlace program was chosen to design and create the ornaments for Illinois’ tree for the 2012 National Christmas Tree display in President’s Park in Washington, D.C., according to a news release. The National Tree-Lighting Ceremony takes place on Thursday. Sculpture Artist Marco Basurto and ArtsPlace apprentices designed and created 24 ornaments. One will be placed on the National Tree and the remaining 23 will decorate the Illinois tree.

Basurto used local and state landmarks as inspiration.

Four weeks of holiday events in President’s Park will kick off with the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks.