By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Creating an annual Christmas Walk Ornament is a Geneseo tradition that spans decades. The first ornament was created in 1993 by Don Beck to commemorate the Victorian Walk in Geneseo. Beck retired from making the ornaments in 2006, but the ornament tradition continues each year.

The design of this annual ornament tradition has gone through the hands of several creative Geneseo citizens.

The 2022 ornament is a throwback to the days when the Christmas Walk was called the “Victorian Walk.” This “throwback” year is in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce which sponsors the annul Walk with the help of local businesses ad Chamber members.

This year’s ornament was designed by graphic artist Dale Smith of the Smith Studio and Gallery in downtown Geneseo. It was produced as a limited edition porcelain ornament by Lou Hansen of the Hantverk Galleri in Bishop Hill.

The 2022 unique ornament is glazed in three colors with an off-white background.

This year’s holiday ornament is available to purchase for $15 each at any of the three art galleries located in the “Art District” on State St. in downtown Geneseo. The Geneseo Art League at 125 North State, RutabagA Gallery and Studio at 108 North State, and at Smith Studio and Gallery at 124 South State.