Littleton, CO Presentation (Deb Nielsen and Don Palmiter)

During the Friday night dinner in Littleton, CO, Don Palmiter and Debra Nielsen gave brief presentations.

Deb started off her presentation by talking about Hallmarket, a Hallmark Art Fair which showcases the creative talents of over 100 Hallmark employees’, including: artists, photographers, sculptors, designers, and photo stylists . [This is the artists’ personal work outside their jobs with Hallmark.]

This years fair will be held Saturday, September 27, in Crown Center Square by the ice rink, from 10 AM – 5 PM. Purchases may be made by cash or check, directly to the artist.

During her presentation Deb shared that Linda Sickman has fully retired. As a result of Linda’s retirement, Deb has taken over the ‘A Pony for Christmas’ series. She went on to say that she has always loved horses and is looking forward to working on this series. In closing Deb revealed that next years design features a circus horse.

Don then spoke. While acknowledging his wife Karol, who accompanied him to the event, he shared a interesting piece of trivia: The Victorian Inn (Karol Inn), 19th in the Nostalgic Houses and Shops series, is named after her.

Don then went on to recount about his career with Hallmark. He said he was recruited during his senior year of high school after Hallmark saw the portfolio he had prepared for his college admissions. One week after graduating from North Kansas City High School he started working at Hallmark.

In the late eighties Don came up with the idea for the ‘Classic American Car’ series. Three years after presenting his idea, the series was launched. As a result of having worked on this series for so long, his Hallmark colleagues nick named him the ‘Wheel Guy’.

In addition to liking cars Don also likes architecture. This year’s edition to the ‘Nostalgic Houses and a Shops’ series, ‘Andy’s Cars,’ is named after his wife’s uncle, who owned ‘Andy’s New and Used Cars’. Don also said that we will probably see the name ‘Mollie’ incorporated into the name or design of a future building as this is his granddaughter’s name. [Could this be a hint about what he is working on for 2016?]

Don concluded his speech by talking about his impending retirement. Currently he is working on designs for 2016, after which he will officially retire and then move to Tulsa, OK to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Once retired he may still collaborate with other artists on future ornament designs. Likewise he said he hopes to be included in future KOC events.

*NOTE: Although pictures weren’t shown at the event, I have included a previously released picture of the 2015 ‘A Pony For Christmas’ ornament, that was included in the 2014 Dream Book event Sneak Peek presentation, to help individuals visualize what it looks like.