COPPELL – A Christmas ornament designed by a long-time Coppell resident is currently hanging on the thirty-foot evergreen Christmas tree in the White House.

Jerry Malzahn, a resident of Coppell, painted the ornament with a Texas emblem and a landscape that includes a bright blue sky and a field of bluebonnet flowers. 

At the bottom of the ornament, Malzahn painted an outline of the state of Texas just in case the ornament was placed high on the tree and out of general view.  To his surprise, the ornament he painted was placed in the center of the tree at eye level. 

“It was just an honor to be selected, much less have my ornament placed at such a great venue,” said Malzahn.  “I was overcome with joy when I saw my ornament hanging there.”

First lady Laura Bush invited all members of Congress to designate a constituent to decorate an ornament for the White House tree. 

U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant selected Malzahn to design an ornament for the White House representing the 24th Congressional District of Texas. 

Malzahn attended a reception last week at the White House to see his ornament and over three-hundred other ornaments from artists across the country on display. 

“The White House was just astonishing,” said Malzahn.  “It was an honor to be selected by Congressman Marchant, and it was an opportunity of a lifetime to visit the White House.” 

White House guidelines encouraged the use of red, white and blue paint, Malzahn explained. 

“I just went by the guidelines that the White House letter instructed; red, white, and blue with the state’s theme,” said Malzahn. 

Malzahn, a soft-spoken, twenty-five year resident of Coppell, only began painting at age forty-eight.

When his daughter was attending the U.S. Naval Academy, he decided to sketch Bancroft Hall, the dormitory of the cadets.  The Naval Academy was so impressed by the 24 by 48 sketch that they displayed the painting for ten years. 

Malzahn said that his painting is now a permanent fixture at the Naval Academy Museum, something he proudly proclaims a great achievement considering the historic paintings and artifacts within the museum. 

With Malzahn’s art displayed in the U.S. Naval Academy Museum and now the White House, it is clear the local Coppell resident has an artistic gift for capturing the American spirit. 

 (Jerry Malzahn's ornament for the 2008 White House Christmas Tree)

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