Maryland's Christmas tree in DC decorated with ornaments made by Smith Island students

When Maryland artist Katherine Dilworth was asked by the Maryland State Arts Council to design a concept for the ornament that would represent Maryland in 2017 in Washington, D.C., it didn't take her long to come up with a group of students to create the ornaments she envisioned. 

She recalled a visit to Smith Island a few years ago.

There, Ewell Elementary is one of the smallest schools in Maryland, with just 11 students enrolled in pre-K through seventh grade. It employs one certified teacher who also serves as principal, one instructional assistant, someone who prepares meals and a custodian. 

"I wanted to represent animals of the Chesapeake," said Dilworth. "I wanted to work outside the typical Chesapeake Bay crab, do something unexpected."

And, she said, she knew just the place to provide a unique perspective.

"Who would know more about the animals of the Chesapeake Bay than the students at Ewell Elementary School?" she said. She knew the tiny school is infrequently noticed in a statewide context.

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"There's not even a formal art program there. The principal was thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Maryland. The kids were excited, too," she said.

The trees, including the one featuring the ornaments from Smith island, will be  in front of the nation's capitol building.

Kristen Corbin is the lone instructional assistant at Ewell. Her three daughters attend Ewell and participated in the project.

"We are so honored to be chosen as the only school in Maryland whose work would be displayed in Washington, D.C.," she said. "When our kids were told about this, as well as where the ornaments would be displayed, they were thrilled. Even at their age, they recognize what an honor this is."

Dilworth was drawn to Ewell because she wanted to highlight wildlife that is threatened by climate change and sea level rise. Smith Island is itself facing erosion and rising waters that threaten its very existence, along with the wildlife that calls it home.

Corbin confirmed Dilworth's assumption that these 11 students would be very familiar with the island's wildlife. She collected oyster shells for the project and talked with the students about the animals they might paint. 

She said the children looked at a reference list of animals provided by Dilworth, but some chose to depict animals they see around them on a daily basis — brown pelicans, for example, swans or cardinals, none of which are endangered. Some used a photo or other image while others painted from memory.

They also talked about why certain animals are endangered, as well as how some, like the bald eagle, have rebounded after people changed some of their behaviors. 

The National Park Service provided a dozen plastic globes, about 6 inches in diameter, that separated into an opaque back and a clear front.

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The students gathered two months ago to paint the oyster shells, under Dilworth’s guidance. The two halves of the shells were separated, and once painted, the tops were glued to the bottoms to form a base.

“We had a great time,” said Corbin. “Whenever you have children and paint involved, it’s always a good experience.” 

The students also painted the backs of the plastic globes in bright colors to make their painted shells pop. 

Corbin said her daughters — Anna, Kimberly and Faith — were very excited to participate in the project, especially when told where their creations would be displayed.

“It’s just amazing that our one little school of 11 students would be chosen for something like this,” Corbin said. 

You can read about the Maryland ornaments and ornaments from other states at http://thenationaltree.org/visit-the-tree-2/america-celebrates-2017/.