FACES & PLACES ART & HISTORY-LISABETH WEBER DECEMBER 2008 Bucks Artist Chosen for White House Christmas Tree Ornament Part of being an artist is being a dreamer. For LisaBeth Weber, her dreams may not have included being an invited guest to the White House, at least not until now. In the heat of the summer, LisaBeth received a phone call from Congressman Patrick Murphy’s office saying she had been selected to create an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree. The White House had asked each member of Congress to designate an artist, and the theme was to represent their district in the American spirit. LisaBeth resides in the 8th Congressional District in Pennsylvania. A politically active artist, writer, and musician, LisaBeth aligns herself with President-Elect Obama, Hillary Clinton, and the policies they share. Nonetheless, she recognized what a unique opportunity this was, and knew that her focus would be the historic and symbolic nature of the project. She also knew immediately what her theme would be: GREEN ENERGY. "The Green movement is huge here in the 8th Congressional District and I am proud of our Congressman’s efforts to bring Green Energy jobs and manufacturing to the area, benefitting people locally and nationwide.”  The fourth largest solar field in America and a green energy hub are being built right here in Bucks County at the old U.S. Steel site in Fairless Hills. Pennsylvanians are building components for wind energy, solar power and alternative fuels. Companies like Gamesa and AE Polysilicon, are leaders in their field and have already put nearly 1,000 people to work with more "green collar" manufacturing jobs on the way. As to being chosen for this project, LisaBeth saw it as a huge honor, and one that the artist took seriously. “It's about history, and it's about representing my district and the constituents that my Congressman is working so hard for, no matter what party they are affiliated with.” Most would agree that being a working artist comes with its fair share of challenges, especially in these tough economic times. An opportunity like this Ornament project may come about once in a lifetime. On December 2nd, the artists were all invited to a special Holiday Reception at the White House, with remarks given by Laura Bush thanking the participants. The irony was not lost on LisaBeth and those close to her. She cited the President-Elect and his ability to work with those of opposing views. "I guess you could say this is irony at its best. I prefer to say that this is one of the reasons our country is so wonderful, because we CAN have differing views, and still interact together. Barack Obama embraces those of opposing views, in an effort to work together. I believe that is a very healthy approach to getting closer to solving the world’s challenges.” As an artist, LisaBeth is an illustrator, photographer, lettering artist, and she has created a series of prints entitled, “Relevant Quotes of the Times” centered around current and historical figures. However, she is probably most well known for designing and creating unique “cause pins”, popular nationwide. Her pins have been worn by notables like Hillary Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Governor Rendell, and were spotted on some well known lapels at the 2008 Democratic Convention, including Rosalyn Carter, Senator Bob Casey, Governor Ritter of Colorado, and others. With the incoming President about to take residence, LisaBeth is optimistic about the hopes for the future. In fact, the definition of HOPE is something she lives by. "Hope is my number one motivator and guide. It gets me through the tough times and allows me to continue my mission of 'making a living while making a difference'. Ironically enough, LisaBeth even hails from the town of NEW HOPE, in Pennsylvania. She has set this philosophy to paper in a piece of motivational art entitled, "The Certificate of New Hope" She's hoping perhaps the Obama's would like one for the residence. Contact LisaBeth at www.lisabethweber.com To view all the ornaments, visit www.whitehouse.gov