|
|
-
Holiday tradition
ISU Theatre's Rob Sunderman designs ornament for White House Christmas
tree.
-
Each year the notice would go out. The Iowa Arts Council was looking
for artists to design an ornament that would adorn the White House Christmas
tree.
Each year Rob Sunderman would get the invitation. And each year he declined.
Something changed this year. Not only did Sunderman decide to look into
designing an ornament, but also the White House invited him to do just
that as one of the State of Iowa's representatives for the White House
holiday tradition.
"I always thought about submitting something in the past, but just
never did. This time I said I was interested and the White House sends
me an invitation," said Sunderman, assistant professor of music,
who is in charge of scenic design and technical theatre with ISU Theatre.
"I'm not really sure how my design was chosen."
Over the years, the White House Christmas tree has reflected both the
times and tastes of the First Family. Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition
of Christmas tree themes when she decorated the 1961 Christmas tree in
toy trimmings from the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky.
Today, the First Lady selects a theme and taps the talents of American
artisans, who give life to the idea. First Lady Laura Bush chose a bird
theme for 2002.
With the theme and specifications in hand, Sunderman started work on his
Christmas tree ornament. His final version was the Eastern Goldfinch,
the state bird of Iowa.
Sunderman's ornament is made out of brass and has a three-dimensional
look to it with wings coming out of the body. The ornament is painted
golden to "make it stand out."
"On this one I actually did some painting so people could see what
the bird really looks like," he said. "Originally I thought
about doing an ornament that featured a pheasant, but in the end I picked
something that was more identifiable to Iowa."
Sunderman says he has been making Christmas ornaments for sometime with
materials ranging from brass to silver. His past designs have included
traditional holiday decorations to more abstract models.
A majority of those ornaments have been produced from sheet metal, from
which Sunderman fabricates the ornaments by hand.
While he joined the ISU Theatre faculty in the fall of 2000, Sunderman
has an extensive background as a fine artist, particularly in metalsmithing.
He was also a scenic designer and technical director for Iowa Public Television
for 16 years and has taught classes at the Des Moines Art Center for the
past 15 years.
None of which compares to the experience he and his wife will have on
Wednesday, Dec. 4, when they visit the White House for reception hosted
by the First Lady for the ornament's artists. After their holiday presentation,
all of the ornaments included on the 2002 White House Christmas tree will
be placed in the White House ornament collection.
Including a Iowa Eastern Goldfinch from the shop of Rob Sunderman.
Around LAS
December 2-31, 2002
|
|
