    (PNAN-ND) – The North Dakota Council on the Arts’ bells are ringin’ and its staff is singin’ inviting artists and craftspeople to provide handmade ornaments for the North Dakota State Christmas Tree that will go on display in the Memorial Hall of the State Capitol building in Bismarck, and the tree will be lit during a public ceremony conducted by the ‘Santa’ aka Governor John Hoeven and ‘Mrs. Claus’ aka First Lady Mikey Hoeven on Monday, December 6.
    Submitted ornaments need to be in the NDCA office by Friday, November 19, and they can vary from traditional to contemporary arts. According to the staff,  the ornament makes a great art project for elementary classes, Scout troops, 4-H clubs, residents of assisted living centers, etc., as well as a family project. The theme is open and can be of the designer’s choosing.  Also according to the staff, it is all about originality; therefore, items that are commercially produced or made from kits are not eligible for inclusion.
    In addition to be included with the ornament, a one or two line description, name of the art form used, or the special circumstances through which it was created, such as through a class or senior center project. And most important, who was or were the artist/craftsperson that created the each ornament. A descriptive listing will be available at the ceremony and will be mailed to everyone who submits an ornament.
    More questions? Call 701.328.7594 or email Amy Schmidt at amschmid@nd.gov. All ornaments become the property of the NDCA and will be hung on the state tree each ensuing year. Mail ornaments to: North Dakota Council on the Arts, 1600 East Century Avenue, Suite 6, Bismarck, North Dakota 58503-0649.
    So all creators of The Peace Garden State, get busy and fill your hearts with Christmas cheer because he will be comin’ your way and probably will say, “Oh what a beautiful sight.â€