Official website of the 2012 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree; Join us in Celebrating Our Great Outdoors!

THE ART COMPETITION DEADLINE EXPIRED SEPTEMBER 24. Colorado-based artist Cheryl St. John’s “Awaiting Spring” has been selected as the official artwork to represent the 2012 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

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This year a newly expanded art contest placed a national call to professional, emerging and youth artists to submit artwork under the theme, “Into The Woods.” More than 100 juried art exhibition entries from 48 artists in 12 states were received, and five judges selected 18 winning works.

This year’s contest was the first national call for artists. All 18 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree juried art exhibition winners’ artwork will comprise a traveling exhibition that will accompany the Capitol Christmas Tree along its designated route from Meeker, Colo. to Washington, D.C. this November.

“This has been one of the most exciting awards of my painting career, and I’m honored that my piece, ‘Awaiting Spring,’ was chosen as the official artwork to represent the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree,” said St. John. “Colorado has the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and the White River National Forest inspired my depiction of a majestic Colorado winter day.”

“Awaiting Spring” will serve as the Capitol Christmas Tree song contest compilation CD official cover art. It will be hung in the Chief of the Forest Service’s office for one year and then displayed in the Capitol Christmas Tree permanent collection.