Our Cultural Tree
About the Artist
The artist for the Swedish culture’s painted tree is Annika Campbell. She claims to have been an artist since she first learned how to use a pencil! Today she identifies most with the style realism, with her own flare mixed in.
Her inspiration in her design for Northwest Winterfest are the Swedish traditions that she has previously participated in. She has painted each character that participates in the Swedish tradition, St. Lucia, as well as a display of the burning of the Yule Bock (straw goat), church boats, and red houses that are common in Sweden! Her passion stems from her childhood when she started celebrating Swedish traditions with her family. She says that “I admire my Gram’s pride she has for her culture, which drives my passion as well.”
Among her favorite pieces are her ASAP Rocky and Mac Miller portraits! Some of her pieces are on display, at her mom’s store, The Shop, in the Bx complex on Fairchild AFB.
Annika believes this experience is providing her more experience and new opportunities that will help her get more comfortable sharing her art!
If you would like to get in contact with Annika, you can email her [email protected]
About the Swedish Culture
St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred, killed for her faith, in 304. The most common story told about St Lucia is that she would secretly bring food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, who lived in hiding in the catacombs under the city. She would wear candles on her head, so she had both her hands free to carry things. Lucy means ‘light’ so this is a very appropriate name.
Luciafest is now celebrated by a girl dressing in a white dress and a red sash around her waist with a crown of candles on her head. Children over 12 will sometimes use real candles!
Schools, towns, and villages usually choose their own Saint Lucia. A national Lucia is also chosen. Lucias visit hospitals, old people’s homes, and sing a song and hand out ginger snap biscuits.
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