CLINTON VISITS MICHIGAN CITY

Photo/Lisa C. Schreiber

Seven-year-old Owen O'Brien (center) colors his sign to welcome PresidentClinton while his mother, Shelli O'Brien, looks on Saturday at City Hall.Also shown is Eric Holm, 9 (left).

Young Clinton-welcoming artists not bound by tradition

By Deborah Sederberg

News-Dispatch staff writer

Some stars are purple, some stripes are green. Local young artists whocreated welcome signs for President Clinton were not constrained by tradition.

Last Saturday, some 150 young artists gathered at City Hall to make theposters. While there were plenty of red, white and blue renderings, severalyoung people seemed to lean toward more whimsical interpretations.

Like the color, the words were enthusiastic.

"Hey! Guess what!" one youngster challenged. "We're finallyon the map!"

Several artists were more casual, writing their messages as if writingto a cousin visiting from a distant state: "Welcome to Michigan City,Bill."

Tiffany Kajer, a member of the Michigan City High School band, wrote,"Welcome, Bill. Enjoy the MCHS Band. Home of the Wolves."

On the back of her poster, Tiffany wrote, "I play the tenor saxtoo!"

A number of artists made reference to the president's instrument. Oneposter said, "Bill plays the winning tune."

One poster, designed as a postcard, is addressed to the president at"9696 Pennsylvania Ave."

Someone who signed her name as Alice and the Cat, wrote, "Howdy,President Clinton. Tell Socks Meow."

Nichole O'Brien drew a big smiley face. "Seeing you makes us sohappy!" she wrote.

An artist known only as Stevie drew a large bird on his poster and wrote,"I like bald eagles." He is hoping, perhaps, that the presidentshares his passion.

A youngster named Nora does not want to neglect the other members ofthe president's family.

One side of Nora's poster says, "Hey, Mr. President, tell your wifeHi too! Love, Nora."

On the other side, Nora wrote, "Hey, Mr. President, tell your daughterHi, too."

A big sun over a lake is the featured art on Gina Walsh's poster, whichsays, simply, "Welcome, President Clinton."

A poster with no signature is less formal: "Welcome, Billy C."

Loren Wilberson's whimsical interpretation of the flag includes greenstars and purple stripes.

One collective poster, by artist Caroline Coleman, says, "Long Beachloves Bill."

Another, signed by Erin, Sam, Hillary, Johnny, Andy, Kristey, Kyle, Jason,Alex and others, said, "The kids of Trail Creek, Ind., welcome you."

A peaceful scene with a tree, flowers, grass, the sun and hearts, says,"Welcome, Mr. Clinton. Your friend, Jill Pickford.

Kyle Higdon is enthusiastic. One side of Kyle's poster says, "You'rethe best!" On the other side, the hopeful Kyle wrote, "Pleaseshake my hand."

Mayor Sheila Bergerson Brillson said it was fun to watch the young artistsexecute their ideas.

"We have some talented young people in this community," sheadded.

During his speech in Washington Park, the president told the crowd howpleased he was to see the posters.

Photo/Jennifer Flowers

CROWDING INTO PARK: A flood of spectators crowds onto the FranklinStreet Bridge, marching into Washington Park Wednesday to hear PresidentClinton's speech.