Local Club News: March 2023
Here is the latest Club communication.
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Happy Spring from the Keepsake Village! We hope this update finds you well. We can’t wait to share more about all the exciting spring & summer plans we’ve been working on for you!
Attached you will find your Q2 2023 Local Club President update. In it, you will find information about upcoming events, sneak peeks, and more!
Local Club News: January 2023
Here is the latest Club communication.
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Happy New Year from the Keepsake Village! We hope you had a healthy and happy holiday season and want to wish you a wonderful start to 2023. This year, we are celebrating 50 years of Keepsake Ornaments and we have so many exciting plans in the works. We can’t wait to share them all with you!
Attached you will find your Q1 2023 Local Club President update. In it, you will find information on submitting your 2023 Local Club Roster, sneak peeks, and more.
Keepsake 50th Anniversary Celebration Events (UPDATED)
IMPORTANT UPDATE – IMPORTANT UPDATE – IMPORTANT UPDATE – IMPORTANT UPDATE
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Hello from the Keepsake Village! We’ve made some important date and artist shifts to our upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations. Our in-store artist events have been rescheduled to 7/22. As a reminder, Keepsake Ornament Club members will be able to attend the exclusive event the day before, on 7/21. Again, we’re so thrilled to be bringing these events back for our 50th anniversary!
Mark your calendars and be sure to save these new dates!
- 50th Anniversary Celebrations in 10 cities across the country– July 22 (Saturday)
- KOC-exclusive Artist Signing (the night before)– July 21 (Friday)
Thanks!!
The Keepsake Team
We look forward to celebrating with you at this new event.
This is not a traditional artist signing event as we’ve had in previous years, but a chance to celebrate the history of Keepsakes! While we will have several unique 50th anniversary ornaments, this event does not feature an exclusive release ornament available at only selected locations. All ornaments available during the event will be sold in all Gold Crown locations and on hallmark.com.
Event Details
- Dates:
- Keepsakes’ 50th Anniversary In-store Artist Signing (KOC members only): 7/21/2023 (the night before)
- Not a member? Click here for information on how to join.
- Keepsakes’ 50th Anniversary In-store Artist Signing (open to the general public): 7/22/2023
- Keepsakes’ 50th Anniversary In-store Artist Signing (KOC members only): 7/21/2023 (the night before)
- Time: details coming soon!
- Locations and artist assignments:
Norman’s Hallmark Shop
Christiana Center
320 Center Blvd
Newark, DE 19702-3227
(302) 499-3002
Artists: Joanne Wright & Emma Leturgez-Smith
Holly’s Hallmark Shop
Caste Village Shops
545 Caste Vlg Ste B
Pittsburgh, PA 15236-5521
(412) 882-2227
Artists: Terri Steiger & Tim Bishop
Jan’s Hallmark Shops
Green Mount Crossing
3610 Green Mount Crossing Dr
Shiloh, IL 62269-7285
(618) 206-2335
Artists: Kris Gaughran & Simone Mariano
Little Green Apple
Geneva Commons
510 Commons Dr
Geneva, IL 60134-2517
(630) 262-8578
Artists: Debra Nielsen & Gregor Benedetti
Gretchen’s Hallmark Shop
Mansell Crossing
7331 N Point Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30022-8254
(770) 643-0701
Artists: Tammy Haddix & Iman Zadrozny
Trudy’s Hallmark Shop
Creekwalk Village
1001 W 15Th St
Plano, TX 75075-8830
(972) 633-5609
Artists: Anita Marra Rogers & Allie Robillard
Amy’s Hallmark Shop
Northpark Plaza
10355 Federal Blvd Unit C
Northglenn, CO 80260-7448
(303) 465-0500
Artists: Tracy Larsen & Jake Angell
Karen’s Hallmark Shop
Grand Village Center
14515 W Grand Ave Ste 120
Surprise, AZ 85374-7195
(623) 975-0044
Artists: Sharon Visker & Rodney Gentry
Allie’s Hallmark Shop
Canyon Crest Town Center
5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 68
Riverside, CA 92507-6321
(951) 781-8401
Artists: Orville Wilson & Matt Johnson
Hedges Green Shopping Center
8705 Sw Tualatin Sherwood Rd
Tualatin, OR 97062-7529
(503) 691-0261
Artist:
- Artist signing opportunity:
- KOC Members: 7/21/2023
- Available to 2023 enrolled KOC members only
- Signatures available for:
- Any two ornaments per person
- Ornament created by on-site artist only
- On-site artists vary by location (subject to change)
- Hallmark is not responsible for ornaments damaged during the artist signing process.
- KOC Members: 7/21/2023
Additional details will be shared in upcoming KOC eNewsletters
-
- General public: 7/22/2023
- Signatures available for:
- Any four 2023 collection ornaments per person
- Ornament created by on-site artist only
- On-site artists vary by location (subject to change)
- Hallmark is not responsible for ornaments damaged during the artist signing process.
- Signatures available for:
- General public: 7/22/2023
- Prizes:
- 7/21/2023: one KOC member per event location store will win a $250 Gift Card
- Winner must be present to win
- Must be a 2023 KOC member
- 7/22/2023:
- The first 50 guests in line at each location will receive a goodie bag including a Keepsake ornament
- Ornament selections may vary by location (unable to be exchanged)
- Only one goodie bag per attendee
- Raffles throughout the event
- Prizes may vary by location
- The first 50 guests in line at each location will receive a goodie bag including a Keepsake ornament
- 7/21/2023: one KOC member per event location store will win a $250 Gift Card
- Live streaming option:
- Date: 7/22/2023 from one of the locations
- Where to view: Keepsakes Facebook and Instagram
- Prizes: available during the event via live stream
- Time: coming soon
- Additional details:
- A dinner with the artists will not be offered.
- Hotel room blocks will not be offered.
- Coming Later this Year
A 2023 artist collaborative studio Keepsake ornament!- Details will be shared in April
UPDATE (04.01.23) – Nina Aubé will no longer be attending the Keepsake 50th Anniversary Celebration Event at Cindy’s Hallmark Shop in Tualatin, OR.
Save the Date! Keepsake 50th Anniversary Celebration Events
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Hello from the Keepsake Village! We’ll be celebrating our 50th anniversary with some very special in-store artist events featuring exciting giveaways and raffle prizes. Plus, Keepsake Ornament Club members are invited to an exclusive artist event on 7/14. We are so excited to share with you our Keepsake 50th Anniversary Celebration event dates, cities where the in-store parties will be held, and artists attending each party.
Mark your calendars and be sure to save these dates!
- KOC-exclusive Artist Signing (the night before)– July 14 (Friday)
- 50th Anniversary Celebrations in 10 cities across the country– July 15 (Saturday)
Event Details
- Dates:
- Keepsakes’ 50th Anniversary In-store Artist Signing (KOC members only): 7/14/2023 (the night before)
- Not a member? Click here for information on how to join.
- Keepsakes’ 50th Anniversary In-store Artist Event (open to the general public): 7/15/2023
- Keepsakes’ 50th Anniversary In-store Artist Signing (KOC members only): 7/14/2023 (the night before)
- Time: details coming soon!
- Locations and artist assignments:
Norman’s Hallmark Shop
Christiana Center
320 Center Blvd
Newark, DE 19702-3227
(302) 499-3002
Artists: Joanne Wright, Emma Leturgez-Smith, & Tim Bishop
Holly’s Hallmark Shop
Caste Village Shops
545 Caste Vlg Ste B
Pittsburgh, PA 15236-5521
(412) 882-2227
Artists: Terri Steiger & Allie Robillard
Jan’s Hallmark Shops
Green Mount Crossing
3610 Green Mount Crossing Dr
Shiloh, IL 62269-7285
(618) 206-2335
Artists: Kris Gaughran, Sheyda Abvabi Best, & Tim Bodendistel
Little Green Apple
Geneva Commons
510 Commons Dr
Geneva, IL 60134-2517
(630) 262-8578
Artists: Debra Nielsen & Gregor Benedetti
Gretchen’s Hallmark Shop
Mansell Crossing
7331 N Point Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30022-8254
(770) 643-0701
Artists: Tammy Haddix, Iman Zadrozny, & Simone Mariano
Trudy’s Hallmark Shop
Creekwalk Village
1001 W 15Th St
Plano, TX 75075-8830
(972) 633-5609
Artist: Anita Marra Rogers & Robert Hurlburt
Amy’s Hallmark Shop
Northpark Plaza
10355 Federal Blvd Unit C
Northglenn, CO 80260-7448
(303) 465-0500
Artist: Tracy Larsen & Jake Angell
Karen’s Hallmark Shop
Grand Village Center
14515 W Grand Ave Ste 120
Surprise, AZ 85374-7195
(623) 975-0044
Artist: Sharon Visker & Rodney Gentry
Allie’s Hallmark Shop
Canyon Crest Town Center
5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 68
Riverside, CA 92507-6321
(951) 781-8401
Artists: Orville Wilson & Matt Johnson
Hedges Green Shopping Center
8705 Sw Tualatin Sherwood Rd
Tualatin, OR 97062-7529
(503) 691-0261
Artist: Nina Aubé & Nello Williams
- Artist signing opportunity: 7/14/2023
- Available to 2023 enrolled KOC members only
- Signatures available for:
- Any ornament created by on-site artist and purchased that day
- On-site artists vary by location (subject to change)
- Any two member collection ornaments (ornaments previously purchased and brought along to the event for signature)
- Hallmark is not responsible for ornaments damaged during the artist signing process.
- Any ornament created by on-site artist and purchased that day
- Prizes:
- 7/14/2023: one person per store will win their Ornament Premiere Wish List
- Value: up to $250 (Wish Lists exceeding $250 will be subject to Hallmark selection)
- Winner must be present to win
- Must be a 2023 KOC member
- 7/15/2023:
- The first 50 guests in line will receive a goodie bag including a Keepsake ornament
- Ornament selections may vary by location (unable to be exchanged)
- Only one goodie bag per attendee
- Raffles throughout the event
- Prizes may vary by location
- The first 50 guests in line will receive a goodie bag including a Keepsake ornament
- 7/14/2023: one person per store will win their Ornament Premiere Wish List
- Live streaming option:
- Date: 7/15/2023 from one of the locations
- Where to view: Keepsakes Facebook and Instagram
- Prizes: available during the event via live stream
- Time: coming soon
- Additional details:
- A dinner with the artists will not be offered.
- Hotel room blocks will not be offered.
More details will be coming your way soon
Announcement: Keepsake Artist Tom Best’s Retirement
The Best of times
Reminiscing on Tom Best’s 40-year Hallmark career

Tom Best
Senior Keepsake Artist
Hundreds of sketches, dozens of ornaments, and oh-so-many memories–that’s the legacy Tom Best will leave behind when he retires on December 28, the date of his 40th anniversary at Hallmark.
Although Tom began as a card illustrator in 1982, he decided to take his career from “two dimensions to three” and become a Keepsake artist in 2003. We’re so glad he made the switch–and Tom is too.
“Being a lifetime lover of toys and all things miniature, creating characters, scenes, and stories you can hold in your hand sounded perfect!”
Looking back, Tom says, It would be impossible to choose just one “best day of work ever!” moment. but he’s loved traveling for research and signing events. He’s been all over the country, including Alaska, and even got to pitch ornament ideas to the top designers of Hot Wheels.
“If my 10-year-old self could have dreamed of that, oh, boy–now that was a good day at work!”
And just like he can’t pick one favorite memory, Tom can’t pick just one ornament either, so a few of his favorites are pictured below! On the topic of ornaments, Tom assures us he is leaving all his projects in very capable hands: “Like time itself, Don Palmiter’s ‘Houses and Shops’ series will march on! Rodney and I have collaborated for a few years and have completed new ornaments through 2024.” Tom also says that he’s finished the 2023 and 2024 Beer Stein ornaments.
As he looks to retirement. Tom says he’s most grateful for all the friendships he’s formed and all the memories, too.
“Let me say how grateful I am to Hallmark and to all of you collectors and fans. You have my sincere thanks for all your warmth, kind words, and support. I am truly appreciative!”
Tom Best
Senior Keepsake Artist
“The Best of times.” For Keeps 21 Fall 2022: 4-5.
Local Club News: August 2022
Here is the latest Club communication.
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Hello from the Keepsake Village and Happy Summer! We hope this update finds you well. It’s been a busy summer here in the Keepsake Village and we’re looking forward to all the fun yet to come this year. We’re planning another KOC exclusive sale in September, followed by the release of 150 brand new ornaments at Ornament Debut, and the opening of enrollment for the 2023 Keepsake Ornament Club in November. Keep reading to learn more about upcoming Keepsake events, 2023 KOC, sneak peeks, and more. Enjoy!
Local Club News: Ornament Premiere is almost here!
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Ornament Premiere is ALMOST here! Are you as excited as we are? 😊
We wanted to send you a quick note to let you know of a few ornaments that will be arriving late for our Ornament Premiere event. These ornaments will be arriving either during the event or right after. The availability of these ornaments will vary by store.
The good news – for the ornaments listed below, we have worked with the appropriate teams to ensure that Ornament Premiere Bonus Points will be extended through 7/31/22 on these 19 ornaments due to their late arrival. We realize the late arrival of these ornaments may be an inconvenience, but rest assured, our distribution center and transportation teams are working around the clock to get these to your local store and online as soon as possible!
Happy Ornament Premiere!
Sincerely,
The Keepsake Ornament Team
Ornament Premiere Late Arrivals
Local Club News: Virtual Artist Signing Event TOMORROW
Here is the latest Club communication.
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Don’t Forget! Join us on the Keepsake Facebook page TOMORROW from 10-11 a.m. CT for our Facebook Live Virtual Keepsake Artist Signing Event! The event is completely free – all you have to do is join us on the Keepsake Facebook page from 10-11 a.m. CT tomorrow.
Our entire studio of artists collaborated on ONE ornament, Mrs. Claus’s Sewing Cabinet, and we cannot wait to share all of the details behind the collaboration of this ornament with you during this live event! Hear from Keepsake Artist Anita Marra Rogers and Art Director Kurt Gaulke as they chat about the inspiration of the ornament, the story behind it, and the process to bring it to life!
The best part? The Mrs. Claus’s Sewing Cabinet ornament will be available for purchase for the very first time, on Hallmark.com only, beginning tomorrow at 11 a.m. CT. Each ornament will be hand signed by TWO artists from the Keepsake studio! Check it out here.
Be sure to tune in live for giveaways, a live Q&A, and lots of fun! The giveaways will be the Mrs. Claus’s Sewing Cabinet ornament hand signed by the entire Keepsake Studio! Must be virtually present to win. Let us know you plan to join here.
See you then!
Sincerely,
The KOC Team
Local Club News: May 2022
Here is the latest Club communication.
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Happy Spring from the Keepsake Village! We hope this update finds you well and healthy. We can’t wait to share more about all the exciting summer plans we’ve been working on for you! Keep reading to learn more about the Win Your Wish List Sweepstakes, 2022 Dream Book Insider’s Guide, Virtual Keepsake Artist Signing Facebook Live event, Ornament Premiere, and more. Enjoy!
Local Club News: January 2022
Here is the latest Club communication.
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Happy New Year from the Keepsake Village! We hope you had a healthy and happy holiday season and want to wish you a wonderful start to 2022. We have so many exciting plans in the works for this year and we can’t wait to share them all with you!
So, let’s get started! Keep scrolling for details on submitting your local club roster, Ornament Premiere event dates, details on our Keepsake Ornament Club membership program, the Keepsake Dream Book, and as always, sneak peeks. Enjoy!