The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce unveiled at their annual dinner the artwork that will be used on the 1st Annual Merrill Christmas card. The Chamber sponsored an art contest called “A Very Merrill Christmas” inviting local artists to submit an original piece of art depicting a past, present or future holiday scene of Merrill.
The winning painting was submitted by local artist Ted Nicholson and depicts a snowy Christmas scene of the iconic Lincoln County Courthouse and the Center Avenue Bridge. The artwork is being reproduced into boxed Christmas cards that will be available to the public for sale in early November. Due to many requests, a limited edition print will also be made available for sale and the prints will be signed by the artist.
“The painting is simply beautiful,” said Debbe Kinsey, chamber executive director. “All of the artwork submissions we received would make excellent Merrill Christmas cards, but the detail and artistry of Ted’s work and the way in which he captured our community’s most recognizable icon (the courthouse) it simply said – Merrill.”
The original artwork will become a permanent display at the Chamber office. The “Very Merrill Christmas Cards” will be available for purchase soon at the Chamber office and at a couple of retail outlets to be announced shortly.
For information on the Christmas cards, limited edition prints or to place an advanced order contact the Merrill Chamber of Commerce at 715-536-9474 or stop by their office located at 705 N. Center Ave. The artwork can also be seen on their website at www.merrillchamber.org.