LisaBeth Weber is a local Bucks County PA artist entrepreneur and friend who's been making pins for progressives. Her criteria for making pins is she only makes pins that she can believe in. Here's the latest, post-election batch.
These pins are hand-drawn or painted with colored pencil, pen and ink or acrylic.-
She prints them and does all the production of each pin herself, with each one signed. And these are prized as works of art.
-Sometimes she refers to these as "spokespins" because using these, "people can wear their heart on their lapel."-
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-Recently, her artistic endeavors earned her an invitation from our congressman, Patrick Murphy, to design an ornament for the White house Christmas tree.-
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-Photo of LisBeth holding ornament by Chanin Walsh
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Here's the story about the Tree Ornament LisaBeth created (she's a freelance writer too.)
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."-
This isn't the first time LisaBeth has crossed paths with a Presidential figure, but previously, it's been in the form of those she has supported, and/or volunteered for, as in the last several campaigns. As a musician, LisaBeth sang at a Bill Clinton rally in 2006 when the former President came to Bucks County, PA in support of Congressman Patrick Murphy and his first run for office.
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. She has been recognized nationally for her efforts in spreading awareness of crucial matters in social justice, politics, cancer prevention, women's issues, and the environment. Her clients have included The National Breast Cancer Coalition, N.O.W. (National Organization for Women), The Black Women's Health Imperative, Natural Lands Trust, Bucks County Women's Fund, and more. Most recently in September of this year, LisaBeth crossed paths with Madeleine Albright who cheerfully donned one of LisaBeth's pin creations on her lapel after speaking so eloquently about the 2008 election.
From freelance writing, to performing, to showcasing her art, to working at the Sundance Film Festival, LisaBeth loves to keep exploring new and unique ways to expand her creative horizons. She and singing partner, Maggie Marshall recently opened for critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Nanci Griffith, who spoke highly of the gals and invited them to join her on stage for a couple of songs. They have also opened for Ralph Stanley (who publicly endorsed Barack Obama during the campaign), Asleep at the Wheel, Roy Clark, Dave Grisman, and over 50 others, in addition to performing on radio and at venues and festivals, etc. LisaBeth has even had two of her songs on NPR's Cartalk. Last year, she released her 4th independent album, produced and engineered by the renowned Grammy music maker Bil VornDick (Bela Fleck, Ralph Stanley, Bob Dylan, Alison Krauss), featuring the topical and political song, "Line in the Sand"-.
LisaBeth continues to have hopes for the future, including being a speaker, writing more, and someday working for a news organization like NPR. The prolific artist, musician, and freelance writer even hopes that she'll be invited back to the White House by the Obama's someday. "Hey, it could happen; I'd love to perform there, do calligraphy, write a book, create artwork, interview the family, the possibilities are endless..."
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
artwork copyright LisaBeth Weber 2008
