A Selection of Hallmark Ornaments: Hallmark Artists

Hallmark Keepsake ornament artists are a special group. They often started out their artistic careers by drawing, painting, or illustrating. But something attracted them to sculpting, and especially to sculpting Keepsake ornaments. They love creating ornaments that make people smile and that have an enduring quality to them.

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Hallmark "Adorable Adornments: Mrs. Claus" Christmas Ornament, 1975

Donna Lee, who retired in 1991, designed some of the earliest Keepsake ornaments, dating back to the first ones in 1973.

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Hallmark "Rockin' With Santa" Christmas Ornament, 2005

Sharon Visker, who began as an illustrator, says that her favorite part of designing Keepsake ornaments is the kinship she feels with fellow Hallmark artists.

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Hallmark "Mary's Angels Series: Rosebud" Christmas Ornament, 1990

Robert Chad, who began designing Keepsake ornaments in 1987, sculpted a series of angels (of which this is one), based upon those rendered by Hallmark card artist, Mary Hamilton.

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Hallmark "Hot Wheels Lunchbox Set" Christmas Ornament, 2003

Rodney Gentry -- who began at Hallmark in 1997, first in manufacturing, then graphics, and finally Keepsake ornaments -- feels that research is important, because "I want to know the 'why' of the ornament."

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Hallmark "Walt Disney's Lady and the Tramp: Spaghetti Supper" Christmas Ornament, 2003

Anita Marra Rogers began as a painter, then, since 1985, has designed a wide array of Keepsake ornaments that are known for their detail, warmth, and charm.

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Hallmark "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leonardo" Christmas Ornament, 2005

In addition to designing Keepsake ornaments, Rudy Garcia has been an illustrator for Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm Ltd., and Universal Monsters.

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Hallmark "Season's Treatings!" Christmas Ornament, 2008

Tammy Haddix decided she wanted to work at Hallmark during her first visit to a Hallmark store when she was only five years old. She likes to design Keepsake ornaments that are whimsical, tell a story, and represent a special relationship.

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