by Laura Freeman

Reporter

Hudson -- For a short time, visitors to the Grey Colt will see a variety of stockings made to raise funds for children's arts programs.

The Grey Colt kicked off its seventh annual stocking contest with more than 50 entries to be raffled off.

Funds are raised through the $10 entry fee and the purchase of $1 raffle tickets for a chance to win a stocking.

Tickets are available until Dec. 14 when winners of the raffle drawing will be notified by Grey Colt employees.

This year all proceeds will be donated to the Progressive Arts Alliance, which strives to bring quality contemporary arts programs to students and underprivileged children, said Grey Colt owner Katie Coulton.

"They help children in Cleveland as well as Hudson," Coulton said. "It's important with schools cutting back on the arts."

Coulton said she got a lot of last minute phone calls, but everyone was able to put the stockings together in time for the contest.

Mary McClain, the director of product innovation at American Greetings, judged the stocking Dec. 5, and Coulton presented awards.

"I am impressed with so many beautiful stockings to choose from," McClain said.

For "best kids" stocking, Julia Smith won for her stocking decorated with Christmas lights. Julia, who wasn't present, lives in Boston Mass., and is the great niece of Coulton.

The "craftsmanship" award went to Sheryl Baker, a teacher at the Center Day Care School in Hudson. The stocking had symbols of the school and town stitched on it.

"Creative use of material" was awarded to Carrie Seymour, who was not present to accept the award for her pair of jewelry-covered stockings.

The "best of show" award went to Anne Cutchin of Hudson who has participated every year in the contest and makes her stockings out of silk. Cutchin said she belongs to a sewing club, and its eight members entered the contest.
Other participants did not win but were happy to make stocking creations and donate them for the fundraiser.

Margaret London of Hudson made a patchwork stocking out of an old quilt, Sally Patton of Hudson made her stocking with buttons purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts, and Suzy Johnson of Hudson made a stocking from a 1950s baby blanket.

E-mail: lfreeman@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3150