By Austin Fitzgerald, intern writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Azucena Trejo Williams, artist and assistant professor of Art & Design at Campbellsville University, recently created an ornament that is displayed on the Kentucky State Senate Christmas Tree.
The theme for the Christmas tree is “Christmas Across Kentucky.” It highlights the Christmas customs and traditions in the counties of Kentucky.
Williams was chosen to create the ornament, which she named “Traditions,” for Taylor County. The ornament is a documentation of areas in the heart of Taylor County that are decorated for the Christmas season, and Trejo Williams said, “The ornament reminds us of our since of place within our community.”
The ornament has pictures of The Grist Mill, Ransdell Chapel at Campbellsville University, Miller Park and Downtown Campbellsville.
Ky. Senator Max Wise (R-Campbellsville), who represents the 16th District representing
Adair, Clinton, Cumberland, McCreary, Russell, Taylor, Wayne counties, said each senator was able to choose anyone from their district to design an ornament.
“I thought she would be a great artist to showcase from my district,” Wise said. “She is a very talented artist that I knew would capture the traditions of my district.”
Williams is an interdisciplinary artist working in instillation, photography, video and sound. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Photojournalism, with post-baccalaureate coursework in art and art education from Campbellsville University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from Maryland Institute College of Art.
Williams’ experience in photography spans over 20 years including a career as a photojournalist and a photo editor in various national newspapers. She taught at the Dallas Museum of Art and Beijing University of Agriculture and presented in The Arts in Society’s International Conference.
Her artwork has exhibited across the United States and most recently at the Downing museum in Bowling Green.
Trejo Williams is married to Dr. Shawn Williams, associate professor of political science at Campbellsville University.