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Kotila's ornament depicts Dillsboro Christmas 2000

By Rose Hooper
commemorative ornament Holiday visitors to the tiny historic village will remember Dillsboro Christmas 2000 for many years to come, thanks to a commemorative ornament from artist Linda Kotila.

The round snow-white porcelain ornament features Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church. Established in 1888, this little stone church has served as a place of worship for both Baptist and Methodist congregations. The scene is taken from a watercolor painting Kotila did of the church called "Come All Ye Faithful."

The idea for the ornament originated from Andy Smith, owner of the Village Studio.

"Lots of people asked me if we have commemorative art for Dillsboro, especially something for the holidays. Many people who travel here for the holidays want a special keepsake, so I talked to Linda about my idea," Smith said.

"I liked the idea," said Kotila, who just recently became a Dillsboro merchant. "Andy and I selected my painting of Jarrett Memorial. We felt that it was warm and welcoming, an image that reflects the mood we feel in Dillsboro.

"I especially love the feel and mood of Church Street," said Kotila who wandered around and took photographs before she started painting. "It was a painting I had to build, with the lights and the stained glass windows. What is now Southern Traditions business used to be the church parsonage." Customers respond to those feelings Kotila captured, said Smith. "When they buy the ornament, they'll tell me, 'This makes me feel good,' or 'This really says Christmas.'" said Smith, former president of the Dillsboro Merchants Association.

"Lots of people collect anything with old churches on it; then there are collectors of Christmas motifs, so what we have in our one ornament is the best of both worlds," he said.

Kotila's artwork, which has been described as very American, "laced with humor and good will," has been compared to Norman Rockwell's because of its quality in telling a story.

Her work has appeared, and is appearing, on Christmas cards for National Geographic Society, the Smithsonian, Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Audubon Society and the National Railway Museum. Last Christmas, Target stores commissioned two of her holiday artworks that were reproduced on 200,000 popcorn tins.

Each Christmas, Kotila plans to produce a different Dillsboro ornament.

"Andy and I have really been pleased with the small southern, family-run business that produces our ornaments. The quality is excellent and the colors have been a perfect match. They are not shipped off to China or something like that. They are made right here in America because we are trying to maintain that small-town appeal ­ from the concept through production."

"The response has been great," said Smith. "The ornaments have been selling well. Now, that's not to say we don't have plenty left," he added. "For those who don't want to hang them on a tree, we have gold stands to hang them on."

The ornaments cost $21, or $25 with the stand, and are available at both the Village Studio on Front Street and Kotila Art Gallery by the fountain next to the Yarn Corner.

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