For Immediate Release: December 9, 2008

STATESBORO ARTIST TO REPRESENT GEORGIA’S 12^TH DISTRICT WITH WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENT DESIGN

Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) has chosen Statesboro resident and Master Photographer Lori Grice to create the Christmas ornament to represent the 12^th District of Georgia on the 2008 official White House Christmas tree. The tree is decorated with 369 ornaments which were hand-decorated by artists from around the country. The ornaments were selected by their respective Members of Congress.

The theme for this year’s Christmas tree is “Red, White, and Blue.” Grice’s ornament perfectly captures this theme and features photographic images reflecting the spirit of Georgia. Among the images Grice included are Dr. Michael and Audrey Guido, representing the importance of faith; the Georgia Southern Bald Eagle, representing freedom; and several Georgia families, representing the power of love and commitment. The ornament is featured prominently on the front of the tree in the White House’s Blue Room.

“I’m very pleased to announce that Lori’s ornament will be representing the 12^th District,” said Barrow. “Her ornament really captures the spirit of Georgia. The holidays are a time when we should be reflecting on the things that we all cherish — family, freedom, and our faith.”

Lori Grice is the founder of Lori Grice Fine Art and Photography. In 2004, she earned the prestigious Master of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), and was only the ninth woman in Georgia to receive this honor. She lives in Statesboro with her husband, DeWayne, and daughter, Edie Grace.