The Johnson Heritage Post (JHP) Art Gallery is excited to announce the return of an old tradition - its Annual Ornament Contest and Fundraiser for the second year in a row. JHP invites members of the community to create and donate a handcrafted ornament to be featured in the competition and made available for sale to raise money for the Historical Society’s 2026 community programming. 

Submissions for the contest will be accepted beginning November 13 through December 4 at JHP during open hours (Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Artists should drop off their finished ornament along with the required submission form at the JHP Art Gallery. Please note that submissions are limited to one entry per artist.

Winners will be announced and ornaments displayed on the JHP Christmas Tree in the Anna Johnson Gallery and will be available for purchase starting December 6.

Prizes will be awarded in two separate categories. 

Adult: 

• First-place winner: $75

• Second place winner: $50

• Third place winner: A JHP mug and a Bally Blacksmith hoodie

Youth (aged 5-13):

• One winner: $25

All proceeds generated from the sale of the ornaments will directly support the Cook County Historical Society's community programming scheduled for 2026. Ornaments that remain unsold after December 31st may be returned to the artist if they choose.

About the Cook County Historical Society

The Cook County Historical Society (CCHS), which is celebrating its centennial in 2025, is committed to the collection, preservation, and dissemination of Cook County history, connecting it to the state of Minnesota's narrative. CCHS manages five historical sites: the Cook County History Museum (1896 Lightkeeper's House), the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, St. Francis Xavier “Chippewa City” Church, the Bally Blacksmith Shop, and a 1930s fish house replica featuring the fishing tug Nee-Gee. Learn more at cookcountyhistory.org.